Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Cheryl McGinnis

Abstract

Hypertension is a serious health problem in the United States. Clinical nurses may serve as facilitators in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of an education program on hypertension screening guidelines for nurses working in an outpatient psychiatric clinic. The project was supported by the health promotion model. The project used a pre- and post survey designed by the DNP student to collect data on nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to screen psychiatric patients for hypertension. Surveys consisted of 10 questions using a 5-point Likert-type scale. The results of the project indicated that the educational program was effective in changing the practice of nurses regarding the screening of patients for hypertension. Before administering the educational program, 9 nurses were not screening patients on a consistent basis. After the educational program, survey results indicated that 11 nurses would use a policy to screen each clinic patient for hypertension. It is recommended, based on the findings of this study, that the clinic develops a regular training and education program on hypertension screening for the staff. The implications for social change move beyond the study setting. Results may be used to improve screening for hypertension in the future. This could create social change in the way screenings are performed, which could affect the overall health of patient.

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