HPD Research Day | February 16, 2018

52 Meagan Bohl, BSN Nursing Student, College of Nursing, Nova Southeastern University Tiffany Olsen, BSN Nursing Student, College of Nursing, Nova Southeastern University Shavonne Howes, BSN Nursing Student, College of Nursing, Nova Southeastern University Objective. To introduce Skin-to-Skin Care (SSC), also known as Kangaroo Care, which is the method of holding an infant in an upright and prone position, skin-to-skin, on the parent’s chest for a length of time. Blankets or clothing are wrapped around the infant to provide security, similar to a kangaroo pouch (Skin to Skin, 2016). This life-saving nursing intervention within the NICU promotes infant well-being and enhances positive infant outcomes. Background. Skin-to-Skin Care (SSC) is a beneficial holistic nursing care provision for sick or preterm infants requiring hospitalization in NICU. Healthcare research reports many stabilizing benefits to include regulation of physiological responses (Skin to Skin, 2016). Despite all the evidence based research confirming that SSC significantly benefits the newborn, there are multiple barriers to nurses implementing SSC in the NICU. Results. The preterm infant benefits from this intervention with positive outcomes such as regulation of heart rate and respirations; temperature; sleep; irritability and immune system. In addition, it shortens neonatal length of hospital stay, reduces morbidity, improves tolerance to pain, and improves body weight and physical growth. Notably, nursing students identified an innovative product, called the BabyBe System, which simulates SSC for the neonate when NICU nurses and parents cannot provide sustained SSC. The BabyBe device is a bionic gel mattress that allows the baby to feel their caregiver’s breathing, heartbeat, and even voice or music although they are not present. Conclusion. Overall, the review of literature on Skin-to-Skin Care (SSC) supports the identified evidence-based guideline promoting SSC. The benefits for the high-risk infants, and infants receiving palliative care in the NICU, far outweigh the risks according to research literature and various clinical barriers to integration of this holistic nursing care must be overcome. The BabyBe System, an innovative and effective simulation of SSC for the infant, is recommended for use in the United States. Presenting in Ft. Myers 12:15-1:15 p.m. Take Control of Your Anxiety Before It Controls You Linda McCash, Ph.D., Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Nova Southeastern University Tiffany Olsen, BSN Nursing Student, College of Nursing, Nova Southeastern University Andrea Barth, BSN Nursing Student, College of Nursing, Nova Southeastern University Meagan Bohl, BSN Nursing Student, College of Nursing, Nova Southeastern University Objective. To educate individuals and patients about anxiety/stress and how are central nervous system reacts to perceived anxiety. An individual’s level of anxiety is dependent on their response to the anxiety provoking stimulus in the environment. Various approaches to management of anxiety, life-style and health promotion can decrease the impact of anxiety on one’s overall well-being. Evidence-based techniques/interventions are presented via this informative poster. Background. Anxiety is a diffuse apprehension vague in nature and is associated with feelings of uncertainty and helplessness. Anxiety does not discriminate and can affect any individual regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, level of education, culture, or healthcare beliefs. It tends to be higher in women than men and can either be generalized (happens daily) or compartmentalized in the form of acute panic. Mild anxiety can be considered a good thing and can increase motivation and arousal when competing or taking an exam. When moderate levels are reached it becomes concerning and can impact one’s ability to function at optimum levels. Any internal or external trigger in our day to day life can cause anxiety. When an individual’s response is overly exaggerated or heightened compared to another person’s perception of a stimuli in the environment, an individual may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Methods. Review of Literature on anxiety and evidence-based interventions used to reduce anxiety. Search terms included anxiety, coping with anxiety and studies published between 2012 and 2017 were selected. Procedures. Identification of most relevant approaches and summary of each approach and benefits of each technique/exercise. Healthy ways to manage and cope with anxiety are presented in this poster. how an individual can control their response to the negative stressor. General Statistical Plan. Systematic review of the literature, identification of current effective interventions, and concise summary of each technique/exercise. Several studies examined how an individual can control their response to a negative stressor and improves positive emotions and mood. Results. The findings indicate several studies reported success with holistic interventions such as yoga-enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety management; effects of exercise on anxiety levels and metabolic functions; lavender oil for anxiety; and foods that have been shown to reduce anxiety. These interventions lead to a reduction of an individual’s anxiety and improved coping skills and understanding of