Digital Commons Network^™

Evidence-Based Suicide Assessment And Managment Training For Mental Health Professionals, Clara Abit

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Suicide is a significant public health concern both nationally and globally. While the suicide rate has been decreasing in recent years, evidence shows that the rate of suicide among teenagers and adolescents has been on the rise. Teenage suicide accounts for 14% of all deaths by suicide in the United States, calling for effective interventions in various settings. However, inadequate knowledge of the potential signs and risk factors of suicide hinders mental healthcare professionals' ability to recognize at-risk patients.

Purpose: The project's objective was to evaluate the effects of the intervention on mental health workers' knowledge, skills, and screening …

Engaging Nurses In Public Policy, Carlene Ferrier

DNP Scholarly Projects

Background: Nurses have been engaged in public policy since the inception of the profession. Academicians and thought leaders recognize the importance of nurses engaging in public policy to improve health and healthcare. Nurses are also the largest healthcare group and the most trusted profession for twenty years, yet they are minimally represented in the state and federal legislature. Nurses possess a skill set that is directly transferable to the policy arena such as listening and communicating effectively, leading by inspiring a shared vision, applying evidence-based research, and collaborating and building relationships to achieve a common goal. Locally, the New Hampshire …

Creating Buy-In From Nurse Leaders To Implement Inpatient Education And Screening For Human Trafficking: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Andrea Macdonald

DNP Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND: Human trafficking is an under-recognized healthcare issue affecting an

estimated 20 to 40 million individuals globally. Professional nursing organizations, healthcare

regulatory bodies and legislators have declared the need for education and screening practices. A

quality improvement initiative designed to create buy-in from nurse leaders to create and

implement education, screening and a protocol to guide care of human trafficking victims who

may present to inpatient and clinic settings at the organization was developed to bridge gaps in

knowledge and inform evidence-based practice.

METHODS: Literature review informed the development of an education intervention presented

to nurse leaders using multi-modal learning …

Reduction Of Antipsychotic Use In Patients With Dementia Residing In Nursing Homes, Marysarah Frank

DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Residents of nursing homes diagnosed with dementia have long been treated with psychotropic drugs for the symptoms of behavioral disturbances that are frequently associated with major neurocognitive disease. Specifically, the antipsychotic drugs have been widely used in this population. Despite a lack of evidence, antipsychotic rates have shown up to 25% of dementia patients in nursing homes (NH) are prescribed these drugs. This off-label use is not FDA approved for behavioral symptoms of dementia and the drugs have been given a black box warning related to the risk of serious and potentially irreversible side effects and even an increased …