Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Lynda L. Crawford

Abstract

Long-term care (LTC) nurses play a crucial role in preserving the quality of life of terminally ill patients. However, many identify deficits in skills, education, and training for end-of-life (EOL) care. The objective of this project was to educate LTC nurses caring for individuals reaching the end of their lives on EOL care. The practice-oriented question concerned whether an evidence-based educational program improved nurses’ knowledge related to EOL care and confidence in caring for EOL patients and families. The End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium's evidence-based educational module was used to provide the content. Rosswurm and Larrabee’s model for change to evidence-based practice was the conceptual framework supporting project development and dissemination. Twenty nurses at the project site participated in the educational program and performed a pre- and post-test to assess the impact, if any, of EOL care education on their knowledge, competence, and confidence in caring for patients and families with serious illness. Pre-PCQN group values were lower (Mdn = 9) than post-PCQN group values (Mdn = 18.5). The Wilcoxon test showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups, p =.001. The project findings support the need for improvement in the EOL education of the facility's nurses, and it is recommended that the PowerPoint training be incorporated into the facility's orientation program for all new nurses and offered annually to current nurses. The staff education may bolster nursing staff's knowledge, attitudes, and application of EOL concepts to their practices. The potential implications for positive social change include enhancing EOL care for patients and increasing the confidence and job satisfaction of nurses.

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