Dissemination of scholarship across eight cohorts of doctor of nursing practice graduates.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the publication record across eight cohorts of post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates. BACKGROUND: Dissemination of findings from evidence-based practice is described in the American Association of the Colleges of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice Essential III. Students in Doctor of Nursing Practice programmes are expected to generate deliverables (e.g., a manuscript) of evidence to improve practice or patient outcomes. DESIGN: A descriptive study was conducted to determine whether two key manuscripts (i.e., integrative review and an evidence-based quality improvement project) were disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, and if so, the length of time from graduation to publication. Co-authorship with faculty advisors and contributors was also examined. RESULTS: The number of evidence-based quality improvement publications outpaces the number of integrative reviews over this span of time. Time to publication from graduation has decreased in recent years. CONCLUSIONS: Expecting, rather than encouraging a publishable-ready manuscript as a course deliverable would further student's motivation to disseminate their scholarship. Focused attention on faculty co-authorship may help increase the number of successful student publications for both integrative reviews and evidence-based quality improvement projects and decrease the time from graduation for those publications. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Dissemination of academic scholarly work is an expected outcome for Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates who impact clinical, operational and financial outcomes in complex healthcare delivery systems.

Creation of a registered nurse-administered nitrous oxide sedation program for radiology and beyond.

Children undergoing urethral catheterization for urologic imaging under existing sedation practices were identified as an underserved patient population. Using a multidisciplinary approach, a registered nurse (RN)-administered nitrous oxide sedation program was developed to meet the needs of these children. Program development required delineation of RN scope of practice, evaluation of equipment, formulation of an educational program, and compliance with occupational safety standards. The program was implemented in 2004 using standard "dental" nitrous oxide equipment coupled with distraction and imagery to enhance the efficacy of the sedation experience. Initial assessment via telephone questionnaire indicated fewer adverse effects and more rapid return to baseline than oral midazolam, the sedative previously used for these procedures. Ongoing evaluation continues to confirm patient and environmental safety. The nitrous oxide program has expanded to provide sedation for additional tests in radiology as well as in other hospital departments. By implementing an RN-administered nitrous oxide program, children's access to this sedative/analgesic agent is increased.