Success and Milestones at BHSU’s First DNP Scholarship Research Day
The Nursing Division at Baptist Health Sciences University proudly hosted its first-ever Doctor of Nurse Practice Scholarship Research Day November 30, 2023. This highly anticipated event drew over 60 attendees, including students, faculty, and staff. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree represents a culmination of scholarly work, and the DNP project enables research and evidence to be put into practice.
Attendees were treated to an impressive showcase of our December 2023 DNP graduates' year-long clinical project. Over the course of this project, eight students identified a clinical practice problem and used evidence-based research to determine tests of change that could lead to improved clinical outcomes. Many of the graduates utilized the Donabedian model of examining structures, processes, and outcomes to determine if their tests of change would make improvements, and each underwent an Institutional Board Review (IRB) to gain permission to conduct their quality improvement projects. Students were ably guided throughout the year-long work by two DNP faculty members, a chair, and a team member, all of whom used data to drive decision making.
The event was a significant occasion as it marked the first DNP Research Day held at BHSU, celebrating the fourth DNP graduating cohort since the program's inception in 2018. The organizers intend to hold this event annually and look forward to seeing the achievements of future graduates.
Research Topics:
“Patient Education to Decrease Heart Failure Admissions”
Wakonda Daniels BSN, RN
Dr. Renee Parker, Chair
“Continuity Conversations with Diabetics”
Darlesia Garrison, BSN, RN
Dr. Brandi Lambert, Chair
“Blood Glucose QI Project in the Post Sternotomy Patient”
Christopher Gully, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC-CSC
Dr. Brandi Lambert, Chair
“The Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health in Post-Operative Bariatric Patients”
Nykiea Hayes, BS, BSN, RN, CHN, CBN
Dr. Marcy Purnell, Chair
“Reducing 30 Day COPD Readmissions via Teach-To-Goal Inhaler Method”
Lauren Elizabeth Hoard, BSN, RN
Dr. Renee Parker, Chair
“Depression and Fatigue Post MI/CABG”
Erin Joseph, BSN, RN
Dr. Marcy Purnell, Chair
“Cardiac Rehab/Depression/Heart Failure”
Yvette Morton, BSN, RN
Dr. Marcy Purnell, Chair
“Virtual Monitor Technicians Can Reduce Falls”
Dean Nash, BSN, RN
Dr. Renee Parker, Chair 