Graduate Symposium on Monday, June 9th, 2025

List of Students Earning the Master of Nursing (MN) Degree in 2025

1. Mariaugh Ballenger-Warnes

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Stoerm Anderson

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mabel Ezeonwu

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures Reporting in Bedside Nurses

• • Mariaugh Ballenger-Warnes' capstone project, "Understanding the Dynamics of Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures Reporting in Bedside Nurses at the University of Washington Medical Center ML," investigates the challenges and potential improvements in the reporting of bloodborne pathogen exposures (BBEs) among bedside nurses.

  •  Employing a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, thirty bedside nurses from a medical-surgical unit participated in an anonymous seven-item Likert-scale survey assessing their familiarity with BBE protocols. Following the pretest, a concise educational one-sheet featuring essential reporting details and a QR code linking directly to the reporting system (circumventing the extant 6 click reporting pathway) was displayed in the staff bathroom. One week passed before the posttest survey was administered.

  • Using statistical analysis of the pre- and post-intervention data, a paired t-test was used to compare means of the two groups to assess whether the intervention had a significant impact. Findings indicated modest improvements in nurses' self-reported knowledge and confidence, particularly in documentation processes and reporting timelines.

  • The study concludes that even minimal, targeted educational tools can positively influence nurses’ confidence in reporting. 

2. Jessika Barajas

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ko Niitsu

  • Second Reader: Dr. Stoerm Anderson

Empowering Excellence: A Journey Into Nursing Engagement Through Shared Governance

• • Empowering Excellence is a unit-based pilot project to increase nurse engagement through shared governance at Swedish Medical Center’s Orthopedic Institute 5th floor (SOI5), aligning with Magnet designation goals. The project identified barriers such as time constraints, unclear governance structures, and limited perceived influence using surveys, a SWOT analysis, and staff feedback. To address these, the initiative implemented a flexible, staff-driven mentorship model, emphasized leadership development, and recommended integrating shared governance education into staff onboarding. Including onboarding helps new nurses understand governance structures early, increasing confidence and participation. Survey results showed strong interest in one-on-one mentorship and support for group-based models. Grounded in transformational leadership, Kanter’s structural empowerment, and Magnet principles, the project reinforces that shared governance improves nurse satisfaction, retention, and excellent patient outcomes. This pilot offers a scalable model for engaging nurses and strengthening professional governance hospital-wide.

3. Sandra Chan

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Ko Niitsu

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stoerm Anderson

Developing a Policy Framework for Virtual Nursing Care at Harborview Medical Center

• • This capstone project focuses on the development and implementation of a Virtual Nursing Care Policy at Harborview Medical Center (HMC), designed to support two newly established hospital units and future expansions. As healthcare increasingly integrates technology to meet rising patient demands and workforce challenges, virtual nursing offers an innovative approach to optimize nursing workflows, enhance patient monitoring, and ensure safe, team-based care delivery.

  • The project followed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework, ensuring that bedside nurses, virtual nurses, IT specialists, and hospital administrators were actively involved throughout the process. Key phases included a comprehensive literature review, needs assessment, stakeholder engagement through focus groups and interviews, and iterative policy drafting. Qualitative data collected from approximately 10 key stakeholders informed the policy’s content, feasibility, and alignment with hospital operations.

  • The resulting policy clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of virtual and bedside nurses, outlines communication workflows, and includes an evaluation tool to assess nurse adoption, patient outcomes, and staff satisfaction. The capstone not only delivers a ready-to-implement policy but also provides a scalable model for future virtual care integration across HMC. By centering the lived experiences of nurses and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this project contributes to more efficient, connected, and patient-centered care.

5. Annie Gholston

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Stoerm Anderson

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robin Fleming

Developing Curriculum for the UW Bothell Master of Nursing Program Using Competency-Based Education

• • As the University of Washington Bothell (UWB) Master of Nursing (MN) program prepares for reaccreditation in 2026, it must align course work with the 2021 AACN Essentials, which emphasize competency-based education (CBE).This initiative is more than just a curriculum update—it’s a strategic overhaul designed to ensure graduates are prepared for the evolving demands of nursing practice.This project focused on revising the MN Research course and developing a new Nursing Informatics course to reflect best practices and meet accreditation standards. In addition to refining course structures, this process identified key strengths and gaps, ensuring alignment with competency-based education (CBE) principles.By integrating CBE principles into the curriculum, this effort supports UWB’s reaccreditation while strengthening student learning outcomes and preparing future nurses for the evolving healthcare landscape.

6. Jonathan Halldorson

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Stoerm Anderson

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shari Dworkin

Halldorson Diabetes Academy: A Novel Diabetes Continuing Education Service

• • Amid rising prevalence and complexity of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the United States, Jonathan Halldorson identifies a knowledge gap among primary care (PC) clinicians who deliver most diabetes care. His capstone project, Halldorson Diabetes Academy, addresses this gap through a novel, multimodal continuing education (CE) platform tailored for PC healthcare clinicians.

  • Drawing on adult learning theory, constructivism, and discovery learning frameworks, Halldorson conducted a qualitative educational needs assessment with primary care nurses and providers in Seattle. The assessment revealed diverse preferences for CE delivery, significant organizational barriers (e.g., limited time, staffing), and a desire for practical, role-specific content that also strengthens therapeutic communication and behavioral change skills.

  • In response, Halldorson launched an online CE platform using Kajabi, offering self-paced modules, recorded lectures, and a self-assessment tool for clinician competencies in T2D care. The project incorporates both asynchronous and planned expansion of in-person learning experiences, including simulation and improvisation-based workshops. Future plans include CE accreditation, expanding offerings, and possibly forming a nonprofit or LLC to scale reach and sustainability.

  • Using a comprehensive logic model and theory of change frameworks, Halldorson aligns his program goals with health equity and clinical excellence. The ultimate aim is to empower clinicians with current, relevant diabetes education that improves care delivery and patient outcomes for people with diabetes.

7. Melissa Hamilton

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Stoerm Anderson

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrea Stone

From Checklists to Competence: Standardizing Nursing Evaluation with the Donna Wright Model

• • As nursing roles grow in complexity, competency assessments must evolve to remain relevant and effective. This project presents the development of a standardized, skills-based competency framework for newly hired nurses across five Swedish Hospital campuses. Grounded in the Donna Wright Competency Model and guided by Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, the framework emphasizes flexible, real-world methods of evaluation aligned with adult learning principles, organizational goals, and patient safety outcomes. Replacing outdated checklist-based systems, the new approach supports meaningful skill validation through diverse methods such as return demonstration, case-based learning, and peer feedback. Developed through fieldwork and in collaboration with the Clinical Education and Practice team, the framework was refined using structured feedback from interested parties. Their input led to key adjustments in checklist structure, training strategies, and implementation plans to ensure usability and engagement. While implementation was not completed during the project period, the proposed framework shows strong potential to enhance onboarding, promote equity and inclusion, improve interdepartmental consistency, and support safe staffing decisions across the system.

8. Lisa Howard

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Ko Niitsu

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mo West

From Bedside to Blackboard: Strategies and Workarounds for the Nurse Faculty Transition

• • Experienced RNs transitioning to faculty roles must develop pedagogical competency, adapting to new educational principles and professional identities. This capstone studied “How nurses can be best prepared to be nurse faculty.” The methodology includes a literature review, my fieldwork at the Seattle Colleges which focused on faculty roles, and two survey; one for nurse faculty and one assessing student feedback on teaching effectiveness. Findings highlight mentorship programs and structured initiatives to aid clinicians in their transition to academia. A strategic plan emphasizing mentorship, pedagogical training, and role adaptation ensures skill development, confidence, and long-term faculty retention amid rising demand for nurse educators.

9. Kelsey Hughes

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Ko Niitsu

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrea Stone

Underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in Oncology Research: Curriculum Development Project

• • The underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in cancer research remains a pressing issue that contributes to health disparities and undermines the generalizability of research findings for these populations. Historically, a lack of trust in the healthcare system has been identified as a primary barrier to participation among BIPOC communities. However, recent studies indicate that many minority patients are eager to participate in research. Instead, factors such as provider bias, insufficient information, and limited access to clinical trial opportunities play a more significant role in underrepresentation. To address these issues and promote equitable participation, it is essential to implement ongoing education for both current and future healthcare professionals. Training focused on implicit bias and the importance of inclusivity in healthcare research can foster a more equitable environment, ultimately helping to reduce cancer disparities and improve health outcomes for BIPOC populations.

12. Jennifer Okimoto

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Ko Niitsu

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mabel Ezeonwu

Speaking up: Evaluating the Impact of Charge Nurse Incivility Training

• • Workplace incivility within nursing significantly impacts staff well-being, retention, and patient care quality. Seattle Children’s Hospital (SCH) identified incivility particularly towards new hires, as a critical concern, with charge nurses frequently cited as sources of disruptive behavior. In response, SCH implemented the Own Your Impact (OYI) incivility training program, targeting charge nurses to enhance their ability to recognize, address, and mitigate incivility in the workplace.

  • This capstone project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of OYI training from the charge nurses' perspective, identify barriers to addressing incivility, and propose strategies for sustainable improvement by holding space for these nurses to speak up. Guided by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Healthy Work Environment (HWE) standards, the study employed qualitative methods, conducting nine focus groups involving 147 charge and relief charge nurses across inpatient and outpatient units at SCH. This presentation highlights the findings from these focus groups and next steps to address workplace incivility. 

13. Chelsea Potter

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Stoerm Anderson

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jamie Shirley

Increasing Clinical Placement Opportunities Across Washington: Utilizing Non-traditional Clinical Placements to Enhance Nursing Student Learning

• • Washington faces a growing demand for qualified nurses, but many nursing programs can’t expand due to a lack of clinical placement opportunities. Non-traditional (non-hospital) clinical placements can help increase clinical education capacity while offering diverse, competency-building experiences for students. This project examined current placement practices in Washington and explored strategies to expand utilization of non-traditional clinical sites. Through a review of literature, stakeholder meetings, and a statewide healthcare facility survey, key barriers were identified: staff shortages and burnout, lack of preceptor support, inconsistent/poor onboarding and placement processes, and resource limitations. 

  • Based on these findings and additional stakeholder consultation, a policy brief was developed outlining the following recommendations: standardize placement and onboarding procedures, create a centralized system to map and coordinate with non-traditional sites, and increase funding to support preceptor and healthcare site participation through training programs, financial incentives, and infrastructure enhancements. These strategies aim to strengthen the clinical education pipeline and ultimately increase the supply of competent nurses in Washington. By expanding access to non-traditional placements, Washington can better prepare nursing students while addressing the state’s urgent nursing shortage.

15. Gretchen Rudersdorf

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Ko Niitsu

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shari Dworkin

Guiding the Next Generation of Nurses Through School Counselor Education and Mentorship

• • The nursing shortage in the United States calls for improved strategies to promote the nursing profession, particularly though middle and high school counselors who often lack adequate and up to date resources. There is not adequate follow through after nursing promotion programs or when students indicate an interest in nursing. The core deliverables of this capstone project—a mentorship program outline paring nursing students with secondary school student mentees, and a resource website for school counselors can support the efforts to promoting a successful and diverse nursing profession. The project emphasizes the importance of early exposure and mentorship to sustain interest in nursing and provides the tools for school counselors to support prospective nurses throughout their education and career journey to becoming a nurse. 

  • Nursing Profession Education for School Counselors website

16. Rachel Rytter

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Stoerm Anderson

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Chris Wade

Change Burnout: Merging Healthcare Systems and the Costs of Transition

• • Mergers within healthcare systems have become increasingly common over the past three decades, often driven by goals such as improving efficiency, achieving financial stability, and standardizing care. In the Puget Sound region, one notable example is the 2012 affiliation between Providence Health & Services and Swedish Health Services. While such organizational changes can offer strategic benefits, they can also lead to a phenomenon known as change burnout, particularly among nurses. This form of burnout can negatively affect staff morale, hinder the success of policy improvement initiatives, and reduce nurse satisfaction and engagement.

  • Advances in technology over the years, combined with changes to electronic charting and the merging of systems, can cause staff members to be reluctant to engage in process improvements. This dynamic was evident at Swedish Medical Center’s Cherry Hill campus, where repeated organizational changes undermined morale and staff engagement. This project examines the existing literature and field observations to investigate the pace and frequency of these events.

18. Feliz Spearman-Altheimer

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Stoerm Anderson

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mo West

The Art of The Prebrief & Debrief: Creating Meaningful Learning Moments in Virtual Nursing Education

• • Simulation-based education is a powerful tool in nursing, yet it often induces anxiety and uncertainty for both learners and faculty—especially in virtual environments. My capstone project focuses on developing a faculty guide for prebriefing and debriefing in virtual simulation. Grounded in Bloom’s Taxonomy, competency-based education principles outlined in AACN Essentials, and debriefing theory, this guide is designed to support psychological safety, reduce learner stress, and promote meaningful, competency-aligned reflection. It equips faculty with structured, evidence-based strategies to foster impactful learning experiences, ensuring that virtual simulation remains a safe and effective educational modality.

19. Michelle Stipe

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Ko Niitsu

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nora Kenworthy

Experience & Explore: A Shadowing Program for Nurses

• • Developed to support experienced nurses at Harborview Medical Center, Experience & Explore: A Shadowing Program for Nurses offers compensated opportunities to observe clinical and non-clinical roles outside of one’s typical work area. By fostering cross-departmental learning and professional growth, the program encourages exploration, collaboration, and connection across the organization. Early implementation included outreach, scheduling tools, and an evaluation plan. While participation is still growing, the program has launched successfully with strong leadership support and encouraging initial feedback, laying the foundation for long-term impact.

20. Allyson Weymier

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Ko Niitsu

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Chris Wade

Enhancing Nursing Leadership through Meaningful Recognition: Developing an Orientation Framework for Assistant Nurse Managers

• • Leadership doesn’t begin with a title; it begins with support. Yet many Assistant Nurse Managers (ANMs) enter their roles lacking structured guidance, clear expectations, or meaningful recognition. Without adequate preparation, new leaders face greater challenges in role adjustment, which can contribute to burnout and turnover. This capstone project set out to address that gap. Using a quality improvement framework and informed by Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory, the project explored how intentional, structured orientation can promote successful transitions into leadership. Drawing on literature, stakeholder insights, and feedback from practicing ANMs, the result was a scalable orientation framework designed to build clarity, connection, and early confidence. More than a one-time intervention, this framework lays the foundation for long-term leadership development at Harborview Medical Center. It offers a practical approach to strengthening retention, building leadership capacity, and creating a culture where new leaders are not only prepared to lead, but positioned to thrive.

21. Anna Wilson

• Scholarly Committee

  • Scholarly Chair / Capstone Professor: Dr. Ko Niitsu

  • Second Reader / Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mo West

Vascular Access Stewardship at Harborview Medical Center

• • Standardized protocols for the insertion and management of central venous access devices (CVADs) are well established; however, no standardized process exists for the removal of these devices. The Daily Vascular Access Device Assessment (DVADA) tool was developed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration during team rounds, bringing vascular access best practices to the bedside. This evidence-based tool can facilitate informed decision-making about vascular access removal without compromising patient care or safety.