DNP Translational Research Project

In support of my friend's Doctoral project.

My name is Nicole Bello and I am a Doctoral of Nursing Practice student at Georgia College and State University. I am conducting a translational research project on the effectiveness of home-based blood pressure monitoring in practice and I am in need of 100 blood pressure monitors to implement my research project in May 2016. 

Definition: Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is the act of taking an individuals blood pressure in the comforts of their home and recording results for later evaluation by their health care provider.

Purpose: The purpose of the proposed project is to utilize home-based blood pressure monitoring to improve the management of hypertension and decrease complication of uncontrolled blood pressure.
The goal of the project is to improve blood pressure management in those with hypertension to prevent complications from uncontrolled hypertension.

Innovative Technology: The Omron is a sphygmomanometer that has the ability to transmit data via email and to the patient's provider. This eliminates the need of patients having to keep a written log. The home-based blood pressure monitoring program eliminates the tediousness of writing the results and prevents the misinterpretation of results due to poor writing legibility or lack of memorization. By keeping an electronic record of accurate bp results that can be easily accessed and reviewed, the practitioner will be able to utilize supporting data to institute the best intervention necessary for treatment of the patient’s blood pressure. The Omron BP785 was rated the best blood pressure monitor according to Omron and other validated research studies. Cost is approximately $65 per BP monitor. The uniformity of the monitor is important to minimize variance and error in the interpretation of results for a successful doctoral research project.

Why? HBPM will help health care providers deliver individualized patient care based on accurately reported blood pressure results. Improved blood pressure control will decrease the prevalence of co-morbid conditions and decrease health care costs. The HBPM program decreases cost to the patient and has the potential to increase coverage and reimbursement to the health care practice.

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN MY ENDEAVORS!

Link to Nicole's Go Fund Me page:
https://www.gofundme.com/hbpm2016

On the shoulders of giants, we can do great things

It is only fitting that I start my next journey during Nurses Week. That on Florence Nightingale's birthday I was in class discussing using research and data to transform nursing practice. That this week that honors and celebrates the amazing work all nurses do, I was stepping out of my comfort zone, going from 'expert' back to a novice of sorts. While many were graduating programs and starting their journey as new clinicians or administrators or educators, I am purchasing books and software and attending immersion week.

Since making the decision to begin this journey I have come up with every reason why I should not pursue this path. I have rationalized every excuse. I have compared this experience with past ones; unfavorably of course. I have almost talked myself out of it...twice. Something I have wanted to do for years, I have almost quite before I have started. Because it will be hard? Because I will be busy (I'm already busy and used to piling on the work!) What is different this time? Is it fear of failure?

In my mind I know how I want to leave my mark on nursing - some of it I am already doing. Some is yet to come; that is part of the journey. This is the next step. I need more tools to accomplish my goals.

As I entered the classroom meeting my classmates for the next 18 months, I realized they were all questioning themselves also. They were also doubting their abilities and wondering "What am I doing here?" But as these past few days have unfolded, we have found out that we bring a variety of skills and experiences with us. We have amazing visions for nursing and what we believe advanced practice nurses can do to improve care for our patients and impact an ailing health care system that is still in need of repair to provide the necessary care for all.

It will be hard. At times we will be tired and frustrated. We will be inspired. We will change practice and do great things. And in December of 2016 we will be Doctors of Nursing Practice.

“How very little can be done under the spirit of fear.” ~Florence Nightingale

Why we are here

We have this thing, my husband and I. I protest that life is hectic and timing is impossible and that I am not 'feeling' that I am ready for the trip from the east coast. He talks me up and tells me how I will feel once the conference starts and I meet up with nurses from all over the country and begin networking. But my presentation isn't quite perfect. It will be, he coaxes. I have so much to do. You need to recharge your professional batteries he reminds me.

It takes little time to feel the energy of AACN's NTI. From the flight attendants giving a 'shout out' to the nurses on the plane, or the LED sign welcoming AACN Nurses to Denver or walking into the conference center and picking up your materials working out your schedules for the week.

It is day one of NTI2014.

On the phone he reminds me why am I here. And I have to admit he was right. Recharge and renew.

Why are you here? What will you learn? What will you take away?

Today we Step Forward in Denver together for NTI 2014.