The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) projects are evidence-based Quality Improvement (QI) projects that translate current evidence into practice at the patient level and community level. DNP projects are practice-focused and are responsive to the needs of the patient, clinical sites, and community. DNP educated Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are change agents and will provide the highest quality of care by designing, implementing, and evaluating continuous quality improvement!
Submissions from 2026
The Effects of Sugammadex vs. Neostigmine on Intraoperative Heart Rate in Pediatric Patients Under Two Years: A Scoping Review, Saumel Abston; Jackson Cobb; Elle Dean; Tanner Dillard; Pauline Dinh; Dwayne Accardo DNP, CRNA, FAANA; and Margaret Harvey PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC, CHFN, FHRS
Remimazolam as a Sedative for Endoscopic Procedures: A Scoping Review, Hamzha Aysheh; Megan Henderson; Megan Hinkle; Sara Holton; Spencer Turner; and Dwayne Accardo DNP, CCRN, FAANA
Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) Versus Propofol: In patients requiring sedation while mechanically ventilated,, how does the use of dexmedetomidine (Precedex) compared to propofol, affect reintubation within 48 hours post extubation?, Kimberly Barbee; Markela Albright; Malak Amro; Evelyn Caty-Pletcher; Margaret Havey PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC, CHFN, FHRS; and Tracy McClinton DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C
Home-Based vs Clinic-Based Stool Testing for Detecting Early Cancer Markers: A Scoping Review, S. Elizabeth Brock; Jacqueline Giles; Sydney James; Cha'Landria McCall; and Bobby Bellflower DNSc, NNP-BC-FAANP, FNAP, FAAN
Discharge Education Bundles and Evaluating the Effect on Readmission and Satisfaction Rates: A Scoping Review, Jane Campo BSN, RN; Charlotte Edwards BSN, RN; Mary Catherine Hall BSN, RN; Sarah Moore BSN, RN; Allison Walker BSN, RN; and Tracy McClinton DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C
Evaluating the Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Perioperative Aspiration Risk: The Role of Preoperative Fasting Duration, Caitlin Maureen Carter BSN, RN; Adam Wade Johnson BSN, RN; Allison Whitney Jones BSN, RN; Joseph Kaesberg BSN, RN; Kelly Maura Watson BSN, RN; and Bobby Bellflower DNSc, NNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FNAP
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Patients with Substance Use Disorder and Depression: A Scoping Review, Josiane Deguenon BSN-RN; Elisabeth Fritz BSN-RN; Jesse Jean BSN-RN; Tucker McKinney BSN-RN; and Laura Reed DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, FNAP
Mortality Risk Comparison of DOACs and Warfarin in Geriatric Adults with Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation, LaRaya Gunter BSN, RN; Mariah Cloud BSN, RN; and Tracy McClinton DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C
Mapping the Evidence on the Maternal–Fetal Triage Index (MFTI): A Scoping Review, Taylor Harris; Kelsey Downie; and Margaret Harvey PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC, CHFN, FHRS
Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant in Intrathecal Anesthesia vs. Opioids - Evaluating Adverse Events: A Scoping Review, Autumn Holloman BSN, RN; Paige Blackstock BSN, RN; Rasmia Ibrahim BSN, RN; Chase Logan BSN, RN; Hunter Turner BSN, RN; Dwayna Accardo DNP. CRNA, FAANA; and Laura Reed DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, FNAP
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Antipsychotics Compare to Antipsychotics Alone Impact Inpatient Length of Stay: A Scoping Review, Morgan E. Johnson; Hailey M. Wade; Y'esha V. Williams-Click; Rocquell Duncan; and Laura Reed DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, FNAP
Impact of Nitrous Oxide Analgesia on Labor Experience, Kierra Jones RN, BSN; Elyzabeth Morales RN, BSN; Lanitra Ray RN, BSN; and Rhonda Johnson DNP, CNE, CNM, FACNM
Staff Educational Impact on School-Based Mental Health Services: A Scoping Review, Daniel J. Kim; Di'yana Fisher; and Laura Reed DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, FNAP
Dexmedetomidine Versus Propofol for Reducing Emergence Delirium in Pediatric Anesthesia: A Scoping Review, Hannah Laxton BSN, RN; Hannah McLain BSN, RN; Robert Mohr BSN, RN; Sarah Rocha BSN, RN; Laura Reed DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE; and Dwanye Accardo DNP, CRNA, FAANA
Moving Toward Standardization of Breast Cancer Screening: A Scoping Review Comparing USPSTF and ACS Recommendations for Women Aged 40–74, Gerita F. Perry; Krystal D. Hester-Smith; and Bobby Bellflower DNSc, NNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FNAP
Nurse-Driven Infusion Protocols in Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Scoping Review, Nicholas Morrell Pierce MSN, RN, CEN, CCRN; Mary Cassandra Scott BSN, RN, CCRN, CEN; Alvertis Demetreis Warren BSN, RN, CCRN; and Tracy McClinton DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C
Optimizing Glycemic Control in Type II Diabetes: Continuous Glucose Monitoring : A Scoping Review, Sarah Poe, BSN, RN; Bailey Li, BSN, RN; and Tracy McClinton, DNP, APRN, AG-ACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C
Intraoperative Aspiration Risk Reduction of Diabetic Patients Through Gastric Ultrasound: A Scoping Review, Dakota Sellers BSN, RN; Kristy Speight BSN, RN; Ginger Chastain BSN, RN; Tyler Stone BSN, RN; Claudia Bursi BSN, RN; Laura Reed DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, FNAP; and Margaret Harvey PhD, ACNP-BC, FHRS
Evaluating the Efficacy of the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) in Reducing Length of Stay Among Critically Ill Patients: A Scoping Review, John Simmons; Fay Nelson; Keith Hunt; Lindsey Waller; and Tracy McClinton DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C
Evaluating the Screening and Referral Process for the Use of PHQ-9 Screening Tool in Middle-school Aged Students: A Scoping Review, Kaythi Soe, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC; Margaret Harvey PhD, ACNP-BC, FHRS; and Sharon Little DNP, FNP-BC
Motivational Interviewing vs. Educational Handouts for Caregiver Smoking Cessation in Pediatric Asthma Patients: A Scoping Review, Michael Stefano; Hannah Marsh; and Tracy McClinton, DNP, APRN, AG-ACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C
Improving Access and Early Identification of Anxiety Disorders through Annual GAD-7 Screening in High Schools: A Scoping Review, Joshua Richard Yumul BSN, RN; Cindy Thao MSN, RN; Justin Doyle Borden BSN, RN; Rebecca Lizette Johnston BSN, RN; and Bobby Bellflower DNSc, NNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FNAP
Submissions from 2025
Social Determinants of Health Screening in the Pediatric Population: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Staff Education, Brenda Awuah; Kansas S. Logan; Sally Humphrey DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC; and Sharon Little DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Evaluating Referral Rates for Positive Postpartum Depression Screenings at Telehealth and Well-child Visits: A Scoping Review, Rachel Macklin Barber, MPH, BSN, RN; Damaris Amber Brooks, BSN, RN; Ashli-Emeria Gary, BSN, RN; Margaret Harvey, PhD, ACNP-BC, CHFN; and Kate Fouquier PhD, APRN, CNM, PMH-C, FACNM
Sugammadex for Reversal of Neuromuscular Blocking Agents versus Neostigmine - Safety Comparison, Amanda K. Butler; Daniel Belu; Bailey Accardo; Courtney Ayana Bullard; Tracy McClinton DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C; and Dwayne Accardo DNP, CRNA, FAANA
Evaluating the Efficacy of Predischarge Referrals in Preventing Emergency Mental Health Hospital Readmissions: A Scoping Review, Pretia Carpenter BSN, RN; Stephanie Mays BSN, RN; Jacqueline Sharp DNP, APRN, PMHP-BC; and Sharon H. Little, DNP, FNP-BC, APRN
Written Reminders for Mammogram Compliance, Kristine Cholly; Marcus Barksdale; Rachel Gates; Mabel Olaya; and Laura Reed DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
Effectiveness of the Use of an Opt-out Script to Increase HIV Screening in Adolescent Clients in Pediatric Primary Care Clinics in West Tennessee: A Scoping Review, Julie Cupples MSN, RN; Allison Johnson MS, BSN, RN; and Sally Humphrey DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Evaluating the Efficacy of the Implementation of a Food Insecurity Screening Tool in Identifying Risk Amongst NICU Families, Jessica Daniels BSN, RN; Sahtiah Williams BSN, RN; and Bobby Bellflower DNSc, NNP-BC, FAANP
Assessing the Efficacy of the CAM-ICU Scale in Reducing Length of Stay in the ICU: A Scoping Review, James Ray Davis MPH, BSN, RN and Donna Lynch-Smith DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, NE-BC, CNL
Dexmedetomidine as an Adjunct to Local Anesthetics in Neuraxial Anesthesia: A Scoping Review, Meaghan Elrod; Jacob Flake; Sarah Eggers; Kieraney Coston; and Dwayne Accardo DNP, CRNA, FAANA
Smoking Cessation Education in Caregivers of Pediatric Patients Hospitalized with Asthma Exacerbation, Maya Emptage; Kaitlynn Lineberry; Suzanne Kayali; Bobby Bellflower DNSc, NNP-BC, FAANP; and Michelle Rickard DNP, PNPAC-BC
Enhancing Schizophrenia Treatment Outcomes: Integrating CBT with Medication Therapy to Reduce Hospital Readmission, Kamauri Fleming MSN, RN; Grace Adeniji-Ilesanmi FNP-BC; Zillah Anagho Tah FNP-C; Alex Cook MSN, RN; Margaret Harvey PhD, ACNP-BC, CHFN; Sharon Little DNP, APRN, FNP-BC; and Jacqueline Sharp DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Using EHR Reminders to Control Hypertension, Umme Kulsoom Ghous; Logan McCulley; Danielle C. Hall; Linda Katherine Lambert; and Laura Reed DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
Social Determinants of Health Screening – Evaluating Its Influence on Glycated Hemoglobin Levels in the Pediatric Population: A Scoping Review, Lindsay Gibson; Victoria Hutchison; Tracy McClinton DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, EBP-C; and Sally Humphrey DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Pulmonary Embolism Response Team in Acute Care Settings: A scoping Review of the Evidence, Tia Glover BSN, RN; Leslie Asplund BSN, RN; and Tracy McClinton DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C
Assessing the Efficacy of Remimazolam vs. Midazolam in Short-Duration Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedures and How They Affect Patient Recovery Time: A Scoping Review, Kelsey Gray, BSN, RN, CCRN; Shannon Guthrie, BSN, RN; Ana Grace Holder, BSN, RN; Will Howard, BSN, RN; Dwayne Accardo DNP, CRNA, FAANA; and Bobby Bellflower DNSc, NNP-BC, FAANP
Impact and Effectiveness of PHQ-9 Training for School Counselors on Mental Health Referrals for High School Students, Sherikee Dorice Grim BSN, RN; Ja’Quay Brister DNP, PMHNP-BC; and Margaret Harvey PhD, APRN, ACNP, CHFN, FHRS
GAD-7 Screening in Middle School Students: Evaluating the Effectiveness on Referral Rate Scoping Review, Bailey Hall; Cara Dennis; Kayla Drennen-Ferguson; Pamela B. Taylor; and Laura Reed DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
Central-line dressing protocols: The effectiveness of a standardized dressing change protocol in reducing central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in critically ill patients requiring central lines, Cody Jones; Melissa Marino; Ryan McFarland; Asia White; Tracy McClinton DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, HGET-C, EBP-C; and Margaret Harvey PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC, CHFN, FHRS
Ultrasound-Guided Epidural Placement vs. Conventional Technique - Evaluating Effectiveness: A Scoping Review, Skylar R. Kuehn, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC; Jacob B. Morphis, BSN, RN; Sarah D. Price, BSN, RN; Katherine E. Pritchard, MSN, RN; Jordan Isaac DNP, CRNA; Sharon Little DNP, APRN, FNP-BC; and Tracy McClinton
Implementing a Pap Smear Tracking Tool for Increased Compliance, Meghan Marie Madea MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC; Katherine Ferrell Fouquier PhD, CNM, FACNM; and Bobby Bellflower DNSc, NNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FNAP
Colorectal Cancer Screening and Correlating Gender Disparities, Kara Marr; Megan Janssen; Margaret Payne; and Laura Reed DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
Assessing The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Adjunct to Oxytocin in Reducing Blood Loss During Cesarean Deliveries: A Scoping Review, Hilary Clair Ray BSN, RN; Shelbie Freeman Hendrix BSN, RN; Lauren Elizabeth Hubbard BSN, RN; Helen Maisen Conley BSN, RN; and Dwayne Accardo DNP, CCRN, FAANA
The Impact of the Utilization of Shared Decision-Making Tools in Contraceptive Counseling on Patient Satisfaction in Adolescents: A Scoping Review, Akaninyene Ruffin MSN,FNP-C; Judith Tunney BSN, RN; Mary Katherine Fouquier PhD, APRN, CNM, FACNM; and Margaret Harvey PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC
Scoping Review of Algorithms for Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Katherine Sabatier and Kate Fouquier CNM, PhD, FACNM
Evaluating the Efficacy of Discharge Education on Readmission Rates in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Conditions: A Scoping Review, Camden Shaw BSN, RN, CPN; Ashely St. Julien BSN, RN; Claire Avant BSN, RN; and Michelle Rickard DNP, CPNP-AC, CHPPN
The Effectiveness of GAD-7 Screening in High School Students, Tamara L. Smith; Allison Darnell; Margaret Harvey, PhD, ACNP-BC, CHFN; and Jacqueline Sharp DNP, APRN, PMHP-BC
Postpartum Depression Screening at First Year Well-Child Visits: Evaluating the Rate of Maternal PPD Detection, Chidera A. Speight, BSN, RN; Katherine Scarbrough, BSN, RN; Camille Jones, BSN, RN; and Laura Reed, DNP FNP-C
Efficacy of Aprepitant and Ondansetron in Managing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Perioperative Obese Patients, Jada Stewart; Reagan Revon; Samantha Castellaw; Ashlee Roberts; Dwayne Accardo DNP, CRNA, FAANA; Bobby Belflower DNSc, NNP-BC, FAANP; and Laura Reed DNP, FNP-BC