Marlene Mullin Has Nursing Doctorate Research Published

The School of Nursing started offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2006. Marlene Mullin graduated with this degree in Fall 2007, and spoke at the program's first commencement. Her doctorate research was recently published in the September-October 2009 issue of the journal Heart & Lung (Volume 38, Pages 377-381). Mullin also presented her research at the First National Doctors of Nursing Practice Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mullin's paper, titled Sensations During Removal of Epicardial Pacing Wires After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, deals with the electrodes used to stimulate the heart during and after heart surgery. Typically, pacing electrodes are placed inside the heart by snaking them through a vein into the right atrium. After the surgery, when the patient has recovered and is awake, the electrode is removed through the same vein. Mullin analyzed 144 subjects from 2 teaching hospitals, and concluded that the most commonly reported sensation was "mild to moderate pulling." Her research may lead to clearer educational material for patients preparing for surgery.