b'The Effect of Handwashing with Antiseptic Soap and Water on Reducing Hospital-Acquired InfectionsMercedes K. Brown, Shianna C. Corley, Kahmia J. Dukes and Madeline M. MathisSponsor: Ms. Denise Sauls MSN, RN, CNL, College of NursingNurses predominantly use antiseptic hand sanitizer in place of general hand washing. However, hand sanitizers are not always the best method for controlling the spread of bacteria especially among children. Our research question states, in the pediatric units, what is the effect of hand washing with antiseptic soap on reducing health acquired infections? The use of proper hand washing techniques of healthcare workers in pediatric units are not compliant. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to answer our research question. We created a practice protocol to promote compliance of proper hand washing. This practice could help hospital reduce costs by decreasing hospital-acquired infections.The Use of Therapy Dogs in Pediatric PatientsKelsey A. Griffis, Lauren L. Kallam, Jamiya J. Miles, Tamara D. MorfootSponsor: Ms. Lois Bellflowers RN, MSN, College of NursingMany studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of therapy dogs in various healthcare settings. Therapy dogs serve several purposes within the healthcare setting, but our focus is how they help reduce patient stress. Our population of interest is pediatric patients because many of them lack the adaptive coping strategies adults have. That led us to our research question: in pediatric patients, what is the effect of the use of therapy dogs on stress reduction? We are conducting a literature review on studies that explore the effectiveness of stress relief and anxiety reduction through the use of therapy dogs in hospitalized children. We want to see if this reduction is worth the cost and risks that are associated with putting an animal in a hospital. With this research, we hope to show hospitals that the use of therapy dogs play a major role in patient-centered care and they help to make pediatric patients feel comfortable within the hospital. We are analyzing current protocols implemented in various hospitals on the use of therapy dogs with pediatric patients. With our research, we hope to determine if these protocols support current evidence on using therapy dogs in hospitals.70'