Increasing nurses' access to evidence through a web-based resource.

This article describes an institution's efforts to help nurses integrate evidence into practice through the development of a Web-based resource. After assessing nurses' attitudes and use of evidence resources, a Web site was created to provide a central location for accessing and using evidence. Nurses who utilized the Web site had more favorable attitudes toward evidence-based practice and were more likely to access evidence resources.

A strategy for learning principles and elements of informed consent.

Nurses frequently provide potential study participants with informed consent forms and information regarding involvement in research studies However, there is little information in the nursing literature that emphasizes how to evaluate informed consent documents for appropriateness. The authors present an instructional project for critiquing informed consent documents for content, clarity, readability, and conciseness.

Dyspnea self-management strategies: use and effectiveness as reported by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to (1) identify the frequency with which patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) use dyspnea self-management strategies and (2) quantitatively describe the patients' perceptions of self-management strategy effectiveness. METHOD: Surveys were administered to 79 patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second < 50% of predicted) in a COPD clinic. The patients were required to provide demographic data and complete dyspnea intensity and distress numeric ratings (0-10) and the Dyspnea Intervention Scale. Data were analyzed to assess the patients' level of dyspnea, frequency of self-management strategy use, and perceived degree of self-management strategy effectiveness. FINDINGS: Patients in this study experienced both dyspnea intensity (M = 5.52) and dyspnea distress (M = 4.10). Results indicated that patients used a variety of problem-focused self-management strategies to ease their dyspnea. The most helpful strategies were associated with movement and/or pace. Breathing self-management strategies were reported as least effective unless the patient had previous experience with pulmonary rehabilitation. DISCUSSION: This study presents a beginning understanding of the perceptions of dyspnea self-management strategy effectiveness and frequency of strategy use in patients with COPD. The study also emphasizes the need for clinicians to individualize self-management strategy recommendations.

Skin cancer screening in the medically underserved population: A unique opportunity for APNs to make a difference.

PURPOSE: To implement and evaluate the feasibility of an annual skin cancer screening program for the medically underserved at a free clinic in Marion, Indiana. DATA SOURCES: Clinical initiative with descriptive analysis of results. IRB approval was obtained and the project was found to be exempted. CONCLUSIONS: The participation rate of 65% supported the feasibility of the skin screening program in a free clinic. The skin screening program allowed for detection of 17 worrisome lesions and all of these patients were referred to either the small procedure clinic, general surgeon, or dermatologist for definitive treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The project affirmed that clients in this setting are interested in total body skin exams and will participate in the screening program. Furthermore, there were a significant number of worrisome lesions discovered, which underscores the importance of this screening exam and the need for healthcare providers to either perform or refer patients for skin cancer screening on a regular basis. This area of screening is a unique opportunity for advanced practice nurses to make a difference in the medically underserved population who often lack skin cancer screening.

Creating effective scholarly posters: a guide for DNP students.

PURPOSE: Dissemination of scholarly project outcomes is an essential component of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) education. This article provides guidelines for professional poster development and presentation as well as suggestions for integrating poster development as part of the DNP curriculum. DATA SOURCES: This article was prepared by reviewing both theoretical and research-based literature regarding professional poster development. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence indicates that poster presentations at professional conferences are an excellent venue for DNP students to successfully share the results of their scholarly projects. For posters to be both well perceived and received at conferences, certain guidelines must be followed regarding poster development. Guidelines include emphasizing a consistent message, clear focus, logical format, and esthetically pleasing design. Poster development guidelines and strategies need to be taught early and regularly throughout the DNP student's education. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: DNP scholarly projects provide forward-looking solutions to some of society's most formidable healthcare challenges. The dissemination of knowledge gleaned from the DNP scholarly projects is vital to 21st century global health. Effective poster presentations are critical to the dissemination of scholarly knowledge.

Preparing BSN students for the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) application process: the faculty role.

With the recent development of BSN-to-DNP programs, many BSN students and graduates are making applications. However, few BSN programs instruct students on how to successfully apply to doctoral programs. The author provides recommendations for BSN faculty on how to prepare BSN students for the application process to doctoral programs.

Manuscript peer review: a guide for advanced practice nurses.

PURPOSE: Dissemination of scholarly findings in peer-reviewed journals is critical for sustaining optimal evidence-based practice standards for advanced practice nurses (APNs). However, many schools of nursing do not teach the process or significance of peer review. The purpose of this article is to describe the peer review process and provide practical suggestions for APNs reviewing a research-based manuscript. DATA SOURCES: This article was prepared by reviewing both theoretical and data-based literature concerning editorial peer review. CONCLUSIONS: Reviewing manuscripts requires a high level of professional expertise and commitment. This article describes the history and benefits of peer review and provides a practical overview of the peer review process. A template has also been developed to serve as a checklist for critical elements relating to peer review. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Peer review has a critical role in improving the quality of nursing's published knowledge base and ultimately the quality of patient care. The ability to provide sound critique of nursing manuscripts is essential to the continued development of advanced practice nursing.

Building a schematic model: a blueprint for DNP students.

Doctor of nursing practice students are frequently required to design schematic models to support the theoretical underpinnings of their scholarly projects. However, there is little information in the literature that provides guidance on how to develop a schematic model. The author presents methods and practical suggestions for faculty engaged in advising DNP students in the development of their scholarly projects.