University of Colorado College of Nursing

1. Estes, K. (2011). Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Impacting Patient Care. Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, 34(2), 101-109.
2. Estes, K. & Thomure, J. (2009). Aspirin for the primary prevention of adverse cardiovascular events. Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, 31(4), 324-339.

2010--- Research Assistant, Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in One Urban Emergency Department: Improving Patient Care, Dr. Diane Ebbert, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BS

2007--- Research Assistant, The Perceived Experience of Peer Counselors in Providing Social Support and Perinatal and Breastfeeding Education to Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents in a Randomized Controlled Trial, Dr. Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, ARNP, FACNM

Identification of Practice Variation among Nurse Practitioners: In one urban emergency department, reviewed 100 charts of nurse practitioners for: patient age, gender, temperature, heart rate, abscess size, associated cellulitis, performed procedure, wound packing, culture performance, culture results, antimicrobial choice, and skin decolonization/education recommendations. With practice variation being identified among providers, developed an evidence-based CA-MRSA SSTI educational website for emergency department provider use and implemented a quality improvement project.