Date of Conferral

4-21-2025

Date of Award

April 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Maria Revell

Abstract

This project was a staff education initiative designed to address critical knowledge gaps among nursing staff regarding the safe administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The identified practice problem was insufficient knowledge in areas such as SSRI pharmacology, proper dosages, administration techniques, and management of interactions and side effects. Given the importance of safe SSRI administration in preventing medication errors and optimizing patient outcomes, this gap was significant in nursing practice. The primary project question focused on a structured educational intervention improving nursing staff knowledge of SSRIs by a minimum of 20% change. The educational PowerPoint for the project was developed for nurses based on evidence to address identified weaknesses with SSRI administration. A pretest and posttest design were used to measure percent change for knowledge improvement. Five nurses participated in the education. Data analysis showed a percent change increase of 38% surpassing the targeted 20% and validating the program’s effectiveness. To sustain these gains, it is recommended that the organization develop ongoing education, implement regular refresher courses, and establish a peer mentorship program to support continuous learning and safety. This project has important implications for nursing practice, fostering informed clinical decision-making, confidence, and improved care quality. It also supports positive social change by promoting an inclusive healthcare environment where patients receive culturally sensitive, safe care. Increased comprehension in medication management helps reduce health disparities, ensuring that diverse populations benefit equally from high-quality treatment.

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