DNP Study Results in Dramatic Reduction in Postpartum Hemorrhage Rate

My name is Audery Henderson Williams a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate from Indiana State University (ISU). I am also a graduate of the MSN/Nursing Administration Program.  I thought that when I completed the MSN program at Indiana State University, that would be it for my academic life. After a few months, I realized that there is more to learn to impact the community I serve. I began to search for the ideal program that aligned with my work schedule while at the same time balancing my family life. I started researching DNP programs, but after I spoke to one of my mentors Dr. Erik Southard. I knew then that if I were going to pursue a terminal degree it must be at ISU. Dr. Eley and Dr. Southard have been instrumental in my education and their willingness to guide me to succeed was immeasurable.  After losing 2 siblings during my tenure at Indiana State, I felt helpless and hopeless. The support from my professors was beyond my imagination; they felt like family. It was then that I realized that I had made the right decision to study at Indiana State University. The DNP leadership program focus and sequence seemed to be tailor made for me. The course work was challenging, emphasized research and supported my goal. Another strength of the program at ISU is its inclusiveness and the high level of cultural competence displayed by the faculty and the entire staff. This is especially important to me because I was born outside of the United States, and practiced nursing in other countries.

Over the 3 years at ISU pursuing my DNP, I have learned so much and developed a passion for research geared towards evidence-based practice and problem-solving. I will also cherish lifelong relationships developed with fellow students and faculty. While conducting my capstone project, I did a retrospective study entitled ‘Improving Postpartum Hemorrhage Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes in a Community Hospital.’ Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. It accounts for approximately 20% of all maternal deaths among women of reproductive age. The research project aimed to improve obstetric providers knowledge in postpartum hemorrhage through an educational offering/in-service focused on improving postpartum hemorrhage diagnosis, management, and outcomes in a community hospital. This evidence translation project had a significant impact on the organization and on providers’ knowledge post-intervention and implementation. The baseline postpartum hemorrhage rate improved from 9% to 2% over a 6 month period. During that time, I worked with Dr. Susan Eley my academic chair and mentor who guided me on this project from design to finish. To date, Dr. Eley, Dr. Southard and I still maintain a relationship and one that I will forever cherish. At ISU, there is that feeling of belonging and home.

I have learned how to become a scholar and a nurse leader through my research and course work at ISU. I have also discovered a passion and career path in nursing leadership which I am living right now as Regional Director of one of the 10th largest hospital systems in the United States.

 Thanks, Team ISU.