SXU Nursing Alumna Presents on Improving Advance Care Planning
Saint Xavier University (SXU) alumna Llewelyn Edwards '24 recently completed a project, "Improving Advance Care Planning on the Inpatient Oncology Unit," which was accepted for presentation at a conference at the Virgina Hospital Center.
Edwards' project reflects her dedication to the nursing community and aims to enhance the confidence of medical oncology nurses in conducting advanced care planning (ACP), ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
"In the inpatient oncology unit, patients often arrive feeling anxious about their upcoming cancer treatment, which makes initiating ACP after their admission quite challenging. My project emphasizes the vital role of frontline nurses by proposing an increase in the assessment and completion of ACP with patients. This is achieved by educating and empowering these nurses to ask the right questions, identify their available resources, and facilitate the completion of advance directives alongside patients," said Edwards.
Edwards credits the success of her project to the mentorship she received from SXU nursing professor Michele Poradzisz, Ph.D., and her preceptor, K. Nannetti.
"The project addresses the crucial need for improved communication skills that enable nurses to initiate ACP conversations. It also enhances their understanding of the medical aspects of patient care and the legal requirements for ACP. The initiative will foster discussions about medical decisions within the care plan involving the patient, their surrogate, and a physician," said Edwards.
Edwards completed the Clinical Nurse Leadership post-master's certificate at SXU in 2024 and describes her time in the program as a remarkable experience filled with countless opportunities for learning and personal development.
Throughout her academic journey, she dedicated herself to advanced coursework and sought hands-on practical experiences to deepen her understanding of the clinical nurse leader curriculum. The program's immersive experiences afforded her invaluable insight into the multifaceted role of a clinical nurse leader and honed her abilities in care coordination and quality improvement methodologies, ensuring she has the necessary skills to excel in her future endeavors.
"Armed with a solid foundation in evidence-based practices, I am passionately committed to making a meaningful impact in the health care field. Every day, I strive to apply the knowledge I have gained to enhance patient care and drive initiatives that elevate the standards of our profession. This dedication fuels my confidence and reassures me of my capability to contribute positively to the lives of others," said Edwards.
Edwards, who proudly served eight years in the U.S. Air Force, wanted to pursue graduate studies that would focus on leadership principles. Her military experience gave her unique perspective on providing care in high-pressure environments. She is committed to using her diverse experiences to mentor and support the young nurses in her field to foster an environment of continuous learning and professional growth.
Edwards chose to attend SXU to pursue a post-master's certificate because she felt a strong urge to return to school, and she was particularly interested in process improvement, including ways to streamline patient care processes to enhance the overall patient experience. SXU's program gave her the leadership skills and collaborative knowledge necessary to address the challenges through evidence-based practices.
"My goal is to make a meaningful difference for floor nurses and drive improvements at a macro level. I am deeply committed to this cause, and my contributions will benefit individual nurses and advance the nursing profession," said Edwards.
Edwards was drawn to nursing for both personal and practical motivations.
"I saw nursing as a practical opportunity to earn money and support my family. However, my decision was also influenced by a deep-seated belief in the nobility of the profession. I aspired to become a nurse to help my family and make a meaningful contribution to society. This belief in the nobility of nursing and the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives continues to inspire me in my nursing career," said Edwards.
Edwards earned her BSN in the Philippines and appreciates the adaptability and resilience being a nurse has taught her, especially during her deployment to Afghanistan.
"I have learned to adapt to individual needs while gaining profound insights about myself. The nursing journey was difficult, and I faced many trials and tribulations but remained steadfast in my commitment to nursing. This determination was put to the test when I was deployed to Afghanistan. As part of the trauma team, I had the honor of caring for service members who had dedicated their lives to serving their country. The challenges I faced in this role and the resilience I developed are a testament to the demanding yet rewarding nature of the nursing profession," said Edwards.
Looking to the future, Edwards plans to provide regular training sessions for floor nurses to ensure they feel confident and competent in utilizing ACP strategies in patient care. She also plans to mentor new nurses on effectively assessing and implementing ACP during patient admissions, which is crucial for ensuring that patients' needs and preferences are met from the beginning of their care journeys.
Committed to lifelong learning, she also aspires to pursue additional nursing certification to enhance her clinical skills and knowledge and empower her to lead in driving quality improvement initiatives within the unit. Ultimately, Edwards' goal is to play a pivotal role in elevating patient care and fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence among her colleagues.