Date of Conferral

8-19-2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Marilyn Losty

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic childhood experiences that individuals may have been exposed to during their youth, such as child maltreatment, domestic violence, or interparental violence. Research has demonstrated that experiencing ACEs in childhood may result in physical and mental illnesses that led to dangerous lifestyle patterns in adulthood. In the local organization, several patients with ACEs presented in the emergency department (ED). The nurses, unaware of ACEs, were unable to detect and respond to the consequences of ACEs. Thus, the purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to determine whether an educational intervention focused on ACEs and proper screening for ACEs increased knowledge and awareness among nurses working in an ED. A convenience sample of nurses who worked in the ED were invited to participate in the educational intervention. Nine (N = 9) nurses attended the educational intervention. The mean pretest score for knowledge was 5.33 (SD = 2.23) with a range of 2 to 8 and the mean posttest score was 9.67 (SD = 0.71) with a range of 8 to 10. Using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test to estimate the data, there was a statistical difference between pretest and posttest scores (z = -2.68, p < .01), indicating an increase in knowledge among the participants. Participants were also asked to rate their awareness of three specific areas surrounding ACEs using a Likert scale. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a statistical difference between pretest and posttest scores among all three content areas, indicating an increase in awareness among the participants. It is hoped that the increased knowledge and awareness among the participants translate into practice and ultimately lead to positive patient, provider, and organizational outcomes.

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