Date of Conferral

11-18-2025

Date of Award

November 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Corinne Romano

Abstract

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was the development and evaluation of a staff education initiative aimed at improving nurses’ knowledge and confidence in managing patients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The practice problem was the lack of structured training, which left nurses underprepared and contributed to inconsistent care and poorer outcomes. Addressing this gap is essential in nursing practice to ensure safe, equitable, and patient-centered care. The practice-focused question for this project was: Does staff education in a behavioral health setting improve nurses’ knowledge and confidence in managing cooccurring mental health and substance use disorders, as measured pre- and post-education? The purpose was to implement and evaluate an evidence-based education program that prepared nurses to provide integrated, patient-centered care. Fourteen registered nurses participated in the project. Pre- and post-surveys were used to measure self-reported knowledge and confidence, and descriptive analysis was applied. Results showed improvements, with no participants in the lowest categories after training and more advancing to higher levels of competence and confidence. Findings confirmed that structured education can close practice gaps, strengthen confidence, and enhance care delivery. Key recommendations include integrating the program into staff orientation and offering refresher sessions. The project has important implications for nursing practice, including building workforce readiness, improving patient outcomes, and supporting vulnerable populations. Beyond the local site, it contributes to positive social change by reducing stigma and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in behavioral healthcare.

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