Upstate Center for Nursing Research & Innovation

Research is a primary mission at Upstate Medical University. As an academic medical center, nurses are encouraged to lead and participate in clinical inquiry and are provided mentorship and support from brainstorming through dissemination.

Available Support Services

Nursing Research and EBP support is available to all nurses at Upstate Medical University:

Nursing Research: Question development, design, data collection/analysis, IRB application, manuscript writing, poster, podium presentation
EBP: Question development, literature review, project design, implementation, IRB application, dissemination
Quality Improvement: Problem identification and analysis, project development and implementation, outcomes evaluation, poster, podium presentation, manuscript writing

Get Started

Toolkits for Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice Project, and Quality Improvement Project. Not sure where to begin? Fill out the “Have an Idea?” link and a member of the nurse research team will work with you 1:1 to get started!

Nursing Research

Nursing research utilizes scientific methods to generate new knowledge on a topic. When exploring your question, you find a lack of literature or a gap in the literature, this is a good opportunity to conduct your own research study.

Steps:

Fill out our “Have an Idea?” link and a member of the nurse research team will contact you for guidance and resources.
Develop topic/research question
Search the literature on Upstate’s Library page to see what evidence is out there on your topic.
Develop a brief research proposal
Present proposal to Research and Innovation Council
Develop study design and methods
Complete required CITI Training
Create IRB account if needed
Complete Training on IRB page if needed
Submit IRB package
Begin study
Analyze Results
Dissemination

Evidence Based Practice

Integrating current evidence into our nursing practice is critical to providing the best care. EBP can also generate projects to improve processes, systems and professional practice. If you are wondering about the best practice for a certain topic area, then an EBP project is for you.

Upstate Nursing has adopted the Johns Hopkins Model for EBP which follows the 3 phases of

Practice question,
evidence,
translation of evidence into practice.

Steps:

Fill out our “Have an Idea?” link and a member of the nurse research team will contact you
Develop project proposal following Johns Hopkins EBP Model (JHEBP Model)
Proposal review [JHEBP Appendices A - I]
Project Implementation
Evaluation
Dissemination

Quality Improvement

If you want to improve a metric in your clinical practice area, or adherence to policy or existing protocol, a quality improvement project will help you achieve this. Upstate Nursing uses the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) methodology for quality improvement. There are tools and a step by step guide available on the website.

Steps:

Fill out our “Have an Idea?” link and a member of the nurse research team will contact you
Complete QI Project plan using PDSA form and planning table
Finalize measure
Implement project
Analyze project
Disseminate

Dissemination

No matter which track you are on EBP, QI, or research – consider disseminating your work! There are a variety of ways to disseminate your work and a member of the nurse research team will support you in any or all of them!

Internal Dissemination:

Nursing Grand Rounds
Sharing your findings at staff meetings/leadership meetings/Shared Governance

External Dissemination:

Poster submission
1. Identify professional nursing organization conference that project is appropriate for
2. Confirm dates of conference, identify deadlines for abstract submission
3. Review abstract guidelines for specific conference
4. Follow instructions and submit – that is it!
5. A member of the nurse research team is available to help you with drafting this abstract – please reach out!
Podium presentation
1. Identify professional nursing organization conference that project is appropriate for
2. Confirm dates of conference, identify deadlines for podium presentation submission – often an abstract for a poster and a podium presentation can be submitted at the same time
3. Review guidelines for specific conference
4. Follow instructions and submit – that is it!
5. A member of the nurse research team is available to help you with preparing this, please reach out!
Manuscript writing for publication
1. Identify journal that project is appropriate for
2. Review author guidelines for manuscript submission
3. Start preparing manuscript – A member of the nurse research team will help you at any and all steps

Scholar Vault

The scholar vault is a place to recognize the dissemination of studies and projects that Upstate nurses have done, whether that be internal or external. If you are an Upstate nurse, submit here to showcase your work!

2024 Publications and Presentations

Publications

Names	Title
Jeski, M., Stanger, J., Schafer, M., Osten, A., Conners, G.	Reducing Post-Operative Hospital Length of Stay following Uncomplicated Appendectomy in Pediatric Patients: A Prospective Clinical Study manuscript Healthcare (Basel). 14;12(4):474. doi: 10.3390/healthcare12040474.
Tiffany, S., & Soper, K.	A Registered Nurse Driven Survivorship Program manuscript Journal of Navigation and Survivorship (accepted; pending publication)

Presentations

Names	Title
Marks, K. Palacio, G., Swarnkar, S.	Palliative Care: Advance Directives, Difficult Conversations, and Symptom Management In-person Upstate APP Neurology Fellowship
Marks, K.	Palliative Care: Understanding Advanced Directives and End-of-Life Nursing Care Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds
Marks, K.	Understanding Palliative Care: Focus on Relief from Symptoms and Support Virtual Upstate Healthlink
Onyan, J.	Connecting the Dots; A Pharmacist-led Care Transtion Model for Stroke Patients Post Discharge podium International Stroke Conference Saratoga, NY
Wolaver, E., Swansbrough, W., Major, G., Cline, A., Passett, A.	Bye-Bye Breathing Tube poster 2024 Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program Conference San Diego, CA
Lacey, N.	Virtual Mandatory Skills poster American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing Orlando, FL
Chung, V., Roberts, T., Dolinak, J., Wratney, A.	Scald Burns-Associated Demongraphic Features Related to Incidence and their Relationship to Length of Stay at Major Northeastern Tertiary Burn Center Podium American Burn Association Annual conference
Serrano, N., & Dodge, T.	Aortic Dissection: Dissection Or...? podium NYS Emergency Nurses Association PACE Conference Orlando, FL
Scalise, A.	Integration of a Mock Mass Casualty Incident into Safe Driving Education for Young Adults poster Society of Trauma Nurses (TraumaCon) San Diego, CA
Ducey, E., Brabant, A., Rodenelli, A.	Creation of PI Indicator Review Templates to Streamline Trauma Patient Review Process poster Society of Trauma Nurses (TraumaCon) San Diego, CA
Serrano, N., & Dodge, T.	Aortic Dissection: Dissection Or...? podium Emergency Nurses Association Conference Las Vegas, NV

2023 Publications and Presentations

Publications

Names	Title
Choquette, K,. Dwyer, R.	Discharge Hospitality Center manuscript American Nurse Journal. 2023;18(9):44-49. doi:10.51256/anj092344
Soper, K., Reilly, M. & Krenzer, B.	Embedding a Palliative Care APP on a Neuroscience ICU Service manuscript Journal for the Nurse Practitioner, 19(4), 111-118.
Soper, K.	Reducing Burnout and Promoting Professional Development on the Palliative Care Service manuscript Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, 24(3), 181-185.
Sullivan, S. S., Mann, C. & Wittenberg, E.	Communication Openings: A novel approach for serious illness communication in homecare manuscript Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 49(11), 33-41.
Sullivan, S. S., Ledwin, K., & Hewner, S.	A clinical classification framework for identifying persons with high social and medical needs: The COMPLEXedex-SDH manuscript Nursing Outlook. 71(5)
Wittenberg, E., Sullivan, S. S., & Rios, M.	Improving dementia caregiver activation with a brief communication module manuscript American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Online ahead of print.

Presentations

Names	Title
Mandebvu, F., & Nye, C.	Examining the Impact of Implicit Bias on Nurses' Experiences and Patient Outcomes Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY, 2023, February
Marks, K.	Advanced Directives Virtual Upstate Healthlink Syracuse, NY, 2023, February
Schlier, J., Onyan, J., Latorre, J.	Forget the Drip, just bolus and ship Poster International Stroke Conference Dallas, TX, 2023, February
Forgea, M.C., Langan, J., Zaccarini, C., Li, C.S, & Lorenz, R.	Exploring the Relationship Between Social Determinants of Health and Functional Independence Among Stroke Survivors in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting: Preliminary findings Poster Eastern Nursing Research Society Annual Conference Philadelphia, PA. 2023, March
Letourneau, D., & Sawyer, J.	Magnet Recognition and Nursing Excellence Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2023, March
Ruth-Setek, D., Jabbour, A., Brady, A., Mannava, K., Farah, J., & Farah, R.	Unusual squamoproliferative eruption following pembrolizumab infusion for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma Poster American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting New Orleans, LA. 2023, March
Soper, K.	The Embedment of Palliative Care Services on a Neuroscience Unit Poster Annual Assembly Hospice & Palliative Care Montreal, CA. 2023, March
Dolan, K., & Brangman, S.	Frailty in Hospitalized Older Adults: Impact and Outcome Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2023, April
Forgea, M.C., & Lorenz, R.	Exploring factors affecting functional improvement among stroke survivors in the inpatient rehabilitation setting: Preliminary findings Poster University of Buffalo Nursing Research Day Buffalo, NY. 2023, April
Soper, K.	The Development of a Survivorship Letter to Bridge the Gap Between PCP and Oncology Team Poster Oncology Nursing Society Congress San Antonio, TX. 2023, April
Fischi, L.	Increasing Total Knee and Total Hip Replacement Same Day Surgeries Poster National Association of Orthopedic Nurses Pittsburg, PA. 2023, May
Choquette, K.	ED Overcrowding Virtual Maryland Hospital Association State-Wide Collaborative Elkridge MD. 2023, June
Diez, N., & Michalski, C.	Patient Centered Collaborative Approach to Preventing Falls Poster AONL Denver, CO. 2023, June
Choquette, K.	Throughput Operations Past, Present & Future Virtual Regional Upstate Stroke and Health Summit Conference Series Syracuse, NY. 2023, July
Zmitrowicz, N	Assessment of Patient Understanding Through Interprofessioanl Heart Failure Education Podium American Association of Heart Failure Nurses Annual Meeting Boston, MA. 2023, July
Choquette, K.	Discharge Lounge Virtual TeleTracking webinar Syracuse, NY. 2023, August
Mann, C. & Sullivan, S. S.	Communication Opening: Serious Illness Communication Framework poster/podium NYONL 2023 Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference. Unifying our Voices: Nurse Leaders Building a Stronger Future Tarrytown, NY. 2023, September
Marks, K., & Dimora, M.	Advance Directives: A Review of Code Status, HCP, and MOLST Forms Virtual Upstate Advanced Practice Provider Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2023, September
Stanton, M.	Palliative Care and Stroke Virtual Regional Upstate Stroke and Health Summit Conference Series Syracuse, NY. 2023, September
Stanton, M.	Palliative Care and Stroke Virtual AAHPM Annual Assembly 2023 Pheonix, AZ. 2023, Septemberz
Briggs, E.	Exploring Research, Evidence Based Practice, and Quality Improvement in Your Organization Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2023, October
Cleary, L., Darko, W., Rokicki, R., Botash, A., Vaughn, J., Phelan, L.	Microcredentials to Advance Flexible, Individualized Learning in Academic Medical Centers Poster Association of American Medical Colleges Seattle, WA. 2023, October
Kamly, M., Fagnani, J., Helkin, A., & Dolinak, J.	The Use of a Bipedicled Abdomina Flap for Hand Reconstruction in a Case of Severe Full Thickness Burns Podium Northeast Burn Conference. Providence, RI. 2023, October
Marks, K. & DiMora, M.	Advance Directives: A Review of Code Status, HCP, and MOLST Forms Virtual Upstate Primary Care Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2023, October
Moss, D.	Leading for social justice: A panel discussion with LGBTQIA+ mental health experts Podium LeMoyne University Syracuse, NY. 2023, October
Onyan, J., Makarron, A., Seabury, R., Vallelunga, M., Venoit, P., Schlier, J., Latorre, J.	Development of a Neuro SWAT Nurse Role Improves Standardization of Care in the Neuroscience Patient Population Poster Neurocritical Care Conference San Antonio, TX. 2023, October
Serrano, N., & Dodge, T.	Aortic Dissection: Dissection Or...? Podium Nurse Practitioner Association of New York State Conference Verona, NY. 2023, October
Waldron, C., & Patenaude	Pressure Injury Prevention and the Impact of Early Mobility Podium Craigmile Health Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Summit Utica, NY. 2023, October
Mann, C., Sullivan, S. S., & Chang, Y. P.	Maintaining personhood and autonomy: A grounded theory of community-based hospice care transitions Poster GSA 2023, Building Bridges, Catalyzing Research, Empowering All Ages. Tampa, FL. 2023, November
Klingman, K. & Sullivan, S. S.	Exploring the link between sleep and dementia: Multifaceted Approaches. (Symposium Section entitled Sleep and frequent hospitalizations at the end of life for individuals with dementia). Podium GSA 2023, Building Bridges, Catalyzing Research, Empowering All Ages. Tampa, FL. 2023, November
Sullivan, S. S., Li, C.S., & Chang, Y. P.	Quality-of-life associated with hospital death among persons living with dementia Poster GSA 2023, Building Bridges, Catalyzing Research, Empowering All Ages. 2023, November
Baxter, T.	Identifying and Treating Alcohol Withdrawl Syndrome, Alcohol Use Disorder Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2023, December
Rapke, J., & Lopez, C.	Behavioral Emergency Response Team Coverage Virtual Upstate Department of Emergency Medicine Healthcare Training Center Syracuse, NY 2023, December
Vaughn, J., & Rose, J.	Compassion Fatigue and Nurse Leaders Poster Institute of Healthcare Improvement Forum Orlando, FL. 2023, December

2022 Publications and Presentations

Publications

Names	Title
Ashraf, I., Ackley, D., Razawich, K., Botash, A., Schafer, M., & Pekarsky, A.	Improving Follow-Up Skeletal Survey Completion in Children with Suspected Nonaccidental Trauma manuscript Pediatric Quality & Safety. 7(3), e567. 2022

Presentations

Names	Title
Sous, W., Randolph, C., Zmitrowitz, N., Gambhir, H.	Assessment of Patient Understanding Through Interprofessional Heart Failure Education Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2022, February
Baxter, T.	Alcohol Use Disorder: What Nurses Want to Know Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2022, May
Brabant, S.	Integrating Performance Improvement in Trauma Rounds in a Level 1 Trauma Center Poster Trauma Center Association of America Annual Virtual Conference Virtual. 2022, May
Choquette, K.	Admissions Start with Discharges. Podium Discharge Planning & Capacity Management Summit Chicago, IL. 2022, September
Choquette, K.	Admissions Start with Discharges. Virtual TeleTracking webinar. Syracuse, NY. 2022, Novemeber.
Brabant, S.	Utilization of an Internal Trauma Dashboard in Preparation for Trauma Center Verification Poster Trauma Quality Improvement Program Annual Conference Phoenix, AZ. 2022, December

2021 Publications and Presentations

Publications

Names	Title
Forgea, M.C., Lyons, A.G, & Lorenz, R.A.	Barriers and facilitators to engagement in rehabilitation among stroke survivors: An integrative review manuscript Rehabilitation Nursing Journal, 46(6), 340-347
Haughey, D., Vaughn, J., Kalman, M.	Stronger together: The student experience during the onset of COVID-19 manuscript Journal of Nursing Education, 60(9), 517-521.

Presentations

Names	Title
Randolph, C.	Living with Heart Failure Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2021, February
Stevens, M.	Sustaining Shared Governance During a Pandemic. Podium National Associiation of Clinical Nurse Specialist Annual Conference Virtual. 2021, March
Harf, N.	Caring Through Certification Acheivement Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2021, April
Marks, K.	National Healthcare Decisions Day Poster National Health Care Decisions Day Syracuse, NY. 2021, April
Soper, K.	A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Wait Times Associated with Chemotherapy on an Inpatient Oncology Unit Poster Oncology Nursing Society Congress Virtual. 2021, April
Curtin, P.	Cancer Survivorship Wellness Program Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2021, June
Briddick, G.	Saving Sepsis Lives: Nursing's Role in Sepsis Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2021, September
Tomko, C.	Palliative Care Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2021, October
McGrath, S.	Acute Care for the Elderly Team and Acute Delirium Virtual Upstate Nursing Grand Rounds Syracuse, NY. 2021, November
Soper, K.	Reducing Burnout and Promoting Professional Development for the Palliative Care Team Poster Vizient Quality Leadership Conference Las Vegas, NV. 2021, November

Have an Idea?

Even if you are not sure how to get started, submit what you have and we will support you in developing your idea with 1:1 mentoring and guide you down the right track.

Submit Your Idea!

Nursing Reseach & EBP Team

Emery Briggs, EdD, RN, CCRN

Evidence Based Practice Nurse Research Program Manager

Vacant

Research Scientist Nurse

Upstate Center of Nursing Research & Innovation is dedicated to supporting and building a nursing infrastructure to promote a culture of inquiry, nursing research, and EBP into clinical practice.

Upstate nursing is committed to improving patient care and outcomes through research and innovation. Our team is available to assist any nurse with a quality improvement project, evidence-based practice project, research idea, abstract writing, publication, podium, or poster presentations. Our team is here to support you with the guidance needed to facilitate the conduct, translation, and dissemination of research and evidence-based practice initiatives.

We look forward to working with you.
You may reach us at:

Emery Briggs, EdD, RN, CCRN
[email protected]
315-464-6155

Resources

Upstate Research IRBNet IMT Research Core REDCap Nursing Research & Shared Governance Council Health Sciences Library Expert Searching - LibGuide

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