Date of Conferral

8-26-2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Kristina Bohm

Abstract

Mental health literacy is increasingly recognized as a critical component of nursing practice, particularly in high-acuity environments. At a local healthcare organization, leadership identified a gap in staff education related to mental health, contributing to elevated incidences of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), burnout, and diminished patient outcomes. In response, I conducted this Doctor of Nursing Practice project to evaluate whether a structured educational intervention could enhance mental health knowledge and competency among critical care staff. Participants completed pre- and postintervention assessments to evaluate core concepts in mental health awareness and clinical application, with supplementary qualitative feedback gathered to explore their perceptions and experiences. Fifty staff members were invited to participate, 20 attended the educational workshop, and 15 completed both assessments and were included in the final analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic coding. Findings revealed participants’ increased knowledge scores and greater confidence in managing mental health concerns. The mean score from the pre-education surveys (M = 45.7) increased to a post-education mean score of 57.3, resulting in a 25% learning gain from the education provided. These findings suggest that targeted mental health education for staff enhances knowledge and competency. I recommend that mental health education be incorporated into annual training requirements for critical care staff to enhance provider well-being, bolster team resilience, and improve patient outcomes. Broader implications of this project include the advancement of healthcare equity and psychological safety, ultimately fostering positive social change.

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