Date of Graduation
Spring 5-19-2017
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Department/Program
Nursing
Program
Family Nurse Practitioner
First Advisor
Dr. Jo Loomis
Second Advisor
Dr. Robin Buccheri
Abstract
Background: Healthcare workers are 4 times more likely to be exposed to workplace violence than workers employed in private industry, with assault rates as high as 7.8 per 10,000 workers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health defines workplace violence as “violent acts, including physical assaults, and or threats of assault, directed toward persons at work or on duty” (OSHA, 2015, p. 2). Verbal de-escalation techniques that assist with care of the agitated patient are not routinely taught to Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) throughout their years of advanced coursework, yet it is something they are likely to encounter given the research highlighting the disturbing assault rates against healthcare providers. Methods: In an effort to improve the delivery of patient centered care and enhance the safety of FNPs in the outpatient setting, a verbal de-escalation educational module and live in-person simulation training was created to serve as a resource to guide the behavioral management of an agitated patient. The aim of this evidence-based project was to provide practicing FNP clinicians and FNP students with training in verbal de-escalation techniques designed to promote workplace safety, reduce rates of violence against providers, and ultimately enhance provider comfort and satisfaction when working with an agitated patient. Results: A total of 14 participants, 10 FNP students and 4 FNP clinicians, participated in the educational intervention outlined by this project. Data analysis demonstrated a dramatic increase (117%) in the participant’s confidence in their ability to implement verbal de-escalation techniques following the educational intervention. Conclusions: Overall, this project was a cost effective way to supplement knowledge and experience with evidence-based interventions aimed to assist the FNP with successful verbal de-escalation of an agitated patient.
Recommended Citation
Misitano, Rachael K., "Evidence-Based Verbal De-escalation Techniques for the Family Nurse Practitioner: Education and Simulation" (2017). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects. 91.
https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp/91
Included in
Family Practice Nursing Commons, Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Commons, Other Nursing Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons
