Tobacco cessation education for advanced practice nurses

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Workforce
• Public Health
• Nursing Education

Background:

• Projected primary care physician shortages necessitate increased utilization of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
• Millions gaining insurance coverage require expanded primary care access.
• APRNs can improve patient quality of life and longevity via smoking cessation interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To educate APRN students on smoking cessation.
• To equip APRN students with techniques for assisting patients in quitting smoking.
• To enhance APRN preparedness for smoking cessation in primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum development focused on smoking cessation.
• Educational delivery to APRN students.
• Assessment of knowledge and skills transfer.

Main Results:

• APRN students received comprehensive smoking cessation education.
• Students gained knowledge of effective cessation strategies.
• Preparedness for primary care smoking cessation interventions was enhanced.

Conclusions:

• Educating APRN students is vital for expanding smoking cessation services.
• APRNs are well-positioned to address the public health impact of smoking.
• Enhanced training can improve patient outcomes in primary care.