Date of Conferral

8-11-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Susan Huehn

Abstract

This staff education doctoral project addressed inconsistent administration and documentation of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) in an acute care mental health setting. The practice problem was important because inconsistent standardized screening could delay identification of patients who required timely safety interventions. The practice-focused question examined whether structured C-SSRS education improved nursing staff competency, screening consistency, and documentation compliance. The project was developed and implemented to strengthen nurses’ knowledge, confidence, and skill in applying the C-SSRS as part of routine suicide risk screening. Evaluation strategies included comparisons of pre- and posteducation knowledge scores, competency checklist completion, chart audit findings, and staff confidence survey results. Twenty-three staff members completed the education and both knowledge assessments. Following implementation, the mean knowledge score increased from 62% to 88%, the competency rate increased from 48% to 92%, documentation compliance increased from 60% to 90%, and the proportion of staff reporting high or very high confidence increased from 46% to 87%. Major project products included C-SSRS training modules, educational handouts, simulation-based learning activities, online training options, and competency checklists. The findings supported integrating C-SSRS education into onboarding, annual competencies, policy expectations, and ongoing quality monitoring. The project contributed to nursing practice, positive social change, diversity, equity, and inclusion by promoting standardized assessment and reducing variation in how vulnerable patients were identified and referred for care.

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