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HPU Dean of the School of Nursing Edna Magpantay-Monroe with HPU nursing students.
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HPU Assistant Professor Joy Bliss was a judge at the event.
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HPU Professor Patricia Burrell (left, at computer) was a judge at the event.
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Rayne Soriano (right) delivered the keynote address.
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HPU Associate Professor Hazel Downing (right, in blue) led the event.
Earlier this month, HPU undergraduate nursing students demonstrated their dedication to advancing healthcare during the Evidence-Based Practice (ESP) Day at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Held in multipurpose room three, the event highlighted the knowledge of 68 seniors in the comprehensive nursing course III, each presenting their individual projects.
Evidence-based practice presentations serve as an essential component of nursing education, blending research, critical thinking, and clinical application. These projects challenge students to identify pressing issues in nursing care, research evidence-based solutions, and propose actionable recommendations.
The Evidence-Based Practice event included 68 HPU senior nursing students.
Students typically start by defining a clinical question using the PICO(T) framework (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time). They then review existing literature, critically appraise the evidence, and develop interventions that can improve patient outcomes.
During presentations, students explain their findings, propose implementation strategies, and discuss how to measure the success of their interventions. This process not only sharpens their research skills but also prepares them to integrate evidence-based care into their professional practice—an expectation of modern healthcare and nurse residency programs.
The event celebrated creativity, critical thinking, and attention to detail. HPU Associate Professor Hazel Downing, RN, Ed.D., led the event, commending the students for their exceptional efforts, sharing that “every student demonstrated a clear understanding of the chosen topic in nursing and presented their findings in a compelling and informative way. I am extremely proud of all the 68 senior students for their individual commitment and efforts to work on this project.”
Rayne Soriano, Ph.D., RN, NE-BC, delivered the keynote address. Reflecting on the event, he stated, “The dedication and innovation displayed by the graduating nursing students in their EBP projects were both inspiring and humbling. Their ability to translate evidence into impactful clinical practice not only highlighted their expertise but also their passion for advancing patient care.”
He also expressed gratitude to HPU’s nursing faculty, saying, “A heartfelt thank you to School of Nursing Dean Edna Magpantay-Monroe, Professor Hazel Downing, and the incredible faculty for championing this event and nurturing a culture of excellence in nursing. Congratulations to these future nurse leaders—you are well on your way to making a lasting difference.”
Dean Magpantay-Monroe highlighted the value of mastering ESP for nursing students, stating, “Understanding evidence-based practice and how to do it well is an important skill for our soon-to-be graduates. We want our students to be the preferred hire, so knowing evidence-based practice gives them that advantage.”
To honor the most outstanding projects, several awards were presented. The judges were HPU Assistant Professor Joy Bliss, Ph.D., RN, HPU Nursing Adjunct Faculty Member Mohammad Kahalil, RN, and HPU Professor Patricia Burrell, Ph.D.
Dean’s Choice Award: Erika Reyes, "Addressing Nursing Burnout Through Trauma-Informed Care"
Dean’s Honorable Mention: Michaela Diaz, "Drug Diversion Among Nurses"
Top Three Best Practice Awards:
First Place: Reanne Cielo Laforga, "Effectivity of Botulinum Toxin (BOTN) on Neurological Conditions"
Second Place: Patricia Reilly Larsen, "Managing Decompression Sickness"
Third Place: Sadie Reyes, "Best Practices in Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)"
The HPU School of Nursing is dedicated to educating and preparing well-qualified professionals in the practice of health promotion and healthcare. With programs ranging from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to advanced graduate degrees and post-master certificates, the school equips students to become compassionate, lifelong learners and leaders. Graduates are trained to deliver holistic care in the spirit of aloha to serve a global community.
HPU’s nursing programs include pathways for traditional students, licensed nurses, and military veterans, as well as online options for advanced practice degrees. These diverse offerings ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of healthcare worldwide.
For more information, visit: www.hpu.edu/nursing.
All photos by Michael Matsushita.
