Date of Conferral
2020
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Cynthia Fletcher
Abstract
Suicide is a leading cause of death and a significant public health problem in the United States, especially among the youth population. The wide variability of screening practices and limited educational programs for nurses in terms of identification and management of individuals at risk for suicide exists. The purpose of this project was to conduct a systematic review to identify evidence available in support of adequately preparing nurses to conduct suicide screening and inform suicide prevention efforts for youth in emergency departments. Results from the literature review were correlated to formulate recommendations for improving suicide screening practices through the provision of suicide prevention education for nursing staff. The theoretical framework guiding this project is Loveâs theory of empowered holistic nursing education. It emphasizes treatment of the whole person through accentuation of therapeutic presence and interconnectedness. An analysis and synthesis of 9 peer-reviewed publications was conducted. Results from this systematic review revealed that there continues to be limited and diverse universal suicide screening practices and a high degree of variability in terms of educational offerings related to suicide prevention for nurses. Creating standardized educational programs for nurses pertaining to suicide screening and intervention has the potential for positive social change by empowering nurses to perform timely identification and treatment for youth at risk for suicide in emergency departments.
Recommended Citation
Andrews, Crystal Hartis, "Improving Suicide Prevention in the Emergency Department" (2020). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9033.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9033
