Date of Conferral

8-15-2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Deborah Lewis

Abstract

Summary This was a staff education project aimed at improving nurse knowledge on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) tool. The identified gap in practice was a lack of knowledge and confidence among psychiatric nursing staff in utilizing this evidence-based suicide risk assessment tool. This project question was as follows: Does the implementation of an education program for psychiatric nursing staff on the use of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale improve knowledge of patients at risk for suicide? The project employed the ADDIE framework and the Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice model. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, yielding 67 relevant articles. The educational program was based on findings from the evidence and expert panel input. A structured, interactive PowerPoint presentation (Appendix A) was designed to deliver core content on the C-SSRS. A total of 10 nursing staff participated. Knowledge was assessed using a 15-item questionnaire before and after the educational session. The average pretest score was 9.2, which increased to 12.4 in the posttest. This 3.2-point increase represents a positive shift in knowledge, with a calculated normalized learning gain of 55.2%, indicating that the education was highly effective in promoting learning. Every participant demonstrated score improvement, with notable gains in items related to responder safety and risk mitigation. The consistent rise in posttest scores across all participants confirmed the education program’s effectiveness. This project has social change and professional significance, reinforcing the critical role of nurse practitioners in suicide prevention.

Download

Share

 
COinS