Date of Award

4-2020

Document Type

Project Paper

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Program Affiliation

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

First Advisor

Dr. Mary Rivard

Abstract

Substance abuse disorder among Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) poses risks to both the provider and the patients they care for. Associated with this disorder is the problem of drug diversion. The specialty of anesthesia is recognized as having an elevated risk for the development of substance abuse. Although there are multiple studies addressing substance abuse amongst anesthesiologists, there are few similar studies specific to CRNAs. The purpose of this DNP project was to ascertain the level of Self-Efficacy CRNA supervisors have when intervening with one of their direct reports found to have been diverting scheduled narcotics. Knowledge level regarding reporting and corrective action for diverting drugs was assessed. The expectation was that there would be an improvement in self-efficacy scores and improvement in the knowledge of institutional policies and procedures related to substance abuse and diversion. This project was set in a large southern Minnesota healthcare organization with multiple anesthetizing locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The population was the CRNA supervisors of the organization. The project was of a pretest/post-test design. A comprehensive program for the CRNA leadership to use when addressing a drug diversion situation was presented to the CRNA supervisors. Demographic data was collected in addition to pre and post education data related to knowledge of organizational policies and procedures and levels self-efficacy related to a variety of situations. There was a statistically significant change in self-efficacy scores, and it was further noted that there was an improvement in both components of self-efficacy, that is, self-efficacy expectations and self-efficacy outcomes. In addition, there was an improvement in the knowledge of institutional policies and procedures related to substance abuse and diversion.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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