Avoidance of Mental Health Utilization and Reporting of Symptoms among U.S. Air Force Active-Duty Service Members in Civilian-Equivalent Career Fields

The high suicide rate among U.S. active-duty military personnel and veterans is a significant public health concern. Despite the high prevalence rate of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among this population, service members are less likely to seek mental health services compared to the civilian population. Factors such as fear of career harm, stigma, and barriers to care contribute to this avoidance. This study aimed to investigate if service members in civilian-equivalent (non-combat) jobs are less likely to disclose psychological symptoms compared to those in combat-related career fields and to assess the impact of perceived importance to the military mission. The findings of the present study revealed no significant differences between combat and non-combat personnel in their willingness to disclose psychological symptoms. These results suggest that institutional and cultural factors may have a more substantial influence on disclosure behaviors than occupational roles alone. These findings align with prior research, indicating that barriers to help-seeking, such as stigma and career consequences, are pervasive across military roles

STRENGTHENING ADDICTION RECOVERY IN ADULTS THROUGH MINDFULNESS

Addiction is a significant health issue that affects millions of people. Individuals experiencing addiction face challenges in their everyday lives which often results in health issues, financial and/or legal issues, and broken relationships with family and friends. Additionally, there are often many barriers to seeking treatment which ultimately prevents recovery from substance use disorder. Throughout history, addiction has often been misunderstood, however, it is now recognized as a chronic illness that permanently changes the way the brain functions. Mindfulness is an intervention that promotes a nonjudgmental, nonreactive awareness that can strengthen the recovery process by acceptance of the craving response associated with substance use. This scholarly project provided mindfulness sessions to individuals experiencing addiction in a recovery house with the intention that mindfulness could be used along with other treatment modalities to strengthen the recovery process. An increase in mindfulness and overall self-awareness among individuals experiencing addiction was noted after the implementation of the mindfulness sessions, suggesting the effectiveness of mindfulness as an intervention to strengthen the recovery process

Boosting Nurse Retention in Home Health Care Through Psychological Safety: A Leadership Toolbox

Home health nursing is a critical yet demanding field with high turnover rates, largely due to job dissatisfaction. This turnover negatively impacts patient care quality, organizational stability, and health care costs. Nurse leaders play a vital role in cultivating work environments that promote job satisfaction and retention; however, leadership training in this area is often lacking. Psychological safety contributes to higher job satisfaction, higher quality care, and lower turnover. This project explores psychological safety as a leadership strategy to strengthen job satisfaction and decrease turnover in home health nursing. Grounded in Elizabeth Barrett’s concept of power as freedom and transformational leadership principles, this project introduces a leadership toolbox designed to equip nurse leaders with strategies for fostering a psychologically safe work environment. The toolbox provides actionable steps in a three-phased approach, including leadership development, workplace assessment, and team-based improvement efforts, to create a supportive and empowering work environment. Psychological safety initiatives are evaluated using quantitative data from pre- and post-intervention Likert scale surveys combined with a qualitative feedback review. Future research should explore the long-term impact of psychological safety interventions, expand leadership training programs, and examine interdisciplinary team dynamics in home care settings. The implications of this work highlight the importance of leadership development in creating sustainable, positive work environments that enhance nurse retention and improve patient outcomes

Factors in the Relationship between Rural Cancer Patients and Mental Health

Cancer patients frequently experience psychological distress, yet many do not access mental health services, particularly those residing in rural areas. The present study examines what factors contribute to utilization of mental health services and attitudes toward seeking mental health services in rural cancer patients who are actively receiving cancer treatments. Participants (N = 102) completed a paper and pencil survey. A logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between five predictor variables (anxiety, depression, social support, geographic location, and number of barriers) on the outcome variable (utilization of services). The model was statistically significant, X2(4) = 22.39, p = .007\u3c .001, and explained 41.2% of the variance. Anxiety and the number of barriers were statistically significant predictors of mental health service utilization. Measures of depression, social support, and geographic location were not significant predictors. A hierarchical multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the association between attitudes toward seeking mental health services and the five predictor variables mentioned above. The overall regression model was not statistically significant (F (2, 68) = .91, p = .41), and none of the individual predictors had a significant impact on the outcome. These findings have important clinical implications for mental health and oncology providers. In particular, clinics should conduct routine screening for anxiety and address barriers to utilizing mental health care which may result in increased mental health service usage. Overall, this study provides valuable insight into the complex factors influencing mental health service utilization and attitudes toward seeking mental health care

Making Scents of Aromatherapy: Using Lavender to Ease Anxiety During Invasive Procedures

This project assesses the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy as a nurse-led intervention to alleviate procedural anxiety in patients undergoing invasive procedures. In a study by Fakes et al. (2023), half of the participants reported increased anxiety before medical imaging procedures. Essential oils have a long medical history that dates back thousands of years. Lavender essential oil, used in aromatherapy, is known for its calming and soothing properties. A project utilizing pre- and post-procedural surveys was developed to quantify procedural anxiety and assess the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy as an intervention within the procedural environment. This project incorporates concepts from Jean Watson’s caring science theory to create a healing environment through therapeutic communication, addressing the holistic needs of each patient. Integrating evidence-based practices into routines showcases transformational nursing leadership that empowers nurses to propose ideas and evidence, thereby enhancing patient experience and outcomes

Mindfully Reducing Stress in Parents

Parenting can be a challenging and stressful task. In addition to the stress of raising children, parents also may face financial difficulties, illnesses, poor work-life balance, and lack of leisure time (Brown et al., 2020). Chronic stress can lead to health disorders and negatively affects a parent’s parenting ability (Johnston et al., 2017; Deater-Deckard, 2005). As a healthcare provider, it is imperative to provide parents with tools to help them cope with parenting stress. A through literature review in this paper supports that mindfulness meditation is a effective intervention to reduce stress in parents. Therefore, to answer the clinical question, does a nurse-led mindfulness meditation program reduce stress in parents, a scholarly project with a program development and evaluation design was created and used Martha Rogers’ theory of the Science of the Unitary Human Being as theoretical framework. Rogers’ concepts of resonancy, pattern, and energy fields help to explain how stress affects a parent’s health. The Mindfully Reducing Stress program had several implementation problems arise, but was successfully completed, which will be discussed. A mindfulness meditation content and resource website were also developed to address barriers that prevent parents from participating in other stress reduction programs, such as autonomy, easy to access, and free of cost. The perceived stress scale was used to evaluate pre and post intervention stress levels and an analysis of this data will be discussed. This paper will lastly critically reflect on the project, discuss ACCN Domains and NONPF’s NP Role Core competencies that were met, and discuss implications to nursing practice

ADDRESSING GAPS IN THE CONTINUUM OF CARE: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOCUSED ON ADOLESCENT YOUTH WITH DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS AT A SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CLINIC

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project aimed to address gaps in the continuum of care for adolescents experiencing depression symptoms at a school-based health clinic (SBHC) within an alternative learning community school (ALCS) in southeast Minnesota. Adolescent depression rates are on the rise and are only exacerbated by systemic barriers and social determinants of health, requiring improved mental health care access. Guided by Madeleine Leininger’s Culture Care Theory, the project focused on improving follow-up care for students with elevated depression scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9-M). A tracking system was developed, and the SBHC nurse contacted students with PHQ-9-M scores of nine or above to ensure follow-up. Over two academic years (2022–2024), the project saw significant improvements in follow-up rates and reductions in depression scores. In the first year, only 14% of students had a follow-up plan, while in the second year, this increased to 49%. Furthermore, 94% of students who were followed-up with in year one demonstrated reduced PHQ-9-M scores, with 72% showing similar improvement in year two. The project aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials, specifically related to person-centered care, quality and safety, and interprofessional partnerships, demonstrating the importance of follow-up care. Recommendations include leveraging the electronic medical record for automated follow-up reminders and expanding mental health outreach

EDUCATING LATINO UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS WITH END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE WHO RELY ON EMERGENT HEMODIALYSIS TO BETTER MANAGE THEIR DISEASE

Latino undocumented immigrants with end-stage renal disease in the United States can only access dialysis when presenting to an Emergency Department with life-threatening symptoms. This project aims to educate Latino undocumented immigrants who have end-stage renal disease and rely on emergent-only hemodialysis to better manage their disease. Compared to other undocumented immigrants, Latino immigrants are at higher risk for health issues due to their migration journey and exposure to violent trauma. Limited access to health care, public services, language, and cultural differences are some of the barriers for undocumented Latino immigrants. Traditional healing practices such as curanderismo are deeply ingrained in the Latino culture and focus on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Also, the central role of the family in the Latino culture influences their behaviors, identity, and values. This project will utilize body mapping combined with Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring, which offers a holistic approach to caring for patients. Body mapping is an art and a unique way of transcribing emotions and experiences without words, used to understand experiences and social interactions. This project also highlights the importance of balance to prevent illnesses and restore health. The project encourages nurses and other providers to become actively involved in educating themselves and their patients about the need for culturally competent care, health care disparities, and the social determinants of health

Factors Influencing Successful Community Reentry for Formerly Incarcerated Men Who Have Received Supportive Services: A Qualitative Study

The current study examined reentry experience among men following incarceration to determine salient protective and risk factors. The study reviews the impacts of incarceration, previous factors of recidivism identified in research, and qualitative research conducted on justice-involved individuals. Using a grounded theory qualitative approach, nine men recruited from a substance use treatment program who were released from prison within the past five years were interviewed to explore protective and risk factors. Findings from the current study were consistent with previous research in identifying barriers to reentry, such as difficulties finding housing, employment, and transportation. Additional findings indicate the importance of examining the interaction of systemic, interpersonal, and personal factors, with how a person’s feelings and perception shaping their view of support or lack thereof for interpersonal and systemic factors, such as social support, relationships with parole officers, and accessing resources available to formerly incarcerated men. Implications for future research include examining hope and resilience for those in reentry experiences

Education for Healthcare Providers: Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy

Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is emerging as a promising therapeutic modality for addressing psychological distress in psychiatric and palliative care settings. This scholarly project explores the current literature on psilocybin-assisted therapy, providing an educational framework for healthcare providers regarding its clinical applications, potential benefits, and safety considerations. With the rise in treatment-resistant mental health disorders, there is an increasing need for innovative and holistic approaches to care. This project evaluates healthcare providers’ existing knowledge and attitudes toward psilocybin therapy and delivers an educational intervention aimed at reducing stigma and fostering informed clinical perspectives. Grounded in Margaret Newman’s Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness, the project emphasizes the role of psilocybin in enhancing well-being, alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promoting expanded states of consciousness. A pre- and post-educational survey was conducted with a group of healthcare providers to assess changes in understanding and receptivity to psilocybin-assisted therapy. Results demonstrated a significant shift in participants\u27 knowledge and openness toward this treatment modality, reinforcing the need for continued research and integration into clinical practice. This project highlights the necessity of evidence-based education on emerging psychedelic therapies and their potential role in advancing holistic patient care