Opioid training development: Cultivating nurse competence through education

Mental illness and substance use have become areas of concern throughout society. One of the greatest concerns affecting the United States is the increased prevalence of opioid use and accidental overdose. The opioid epidemic not only impacts adults, it also affects the nation's most vulnerable youth. Children and adolescents are at high risk for substance abuse due to multiple risk factors including negative life events, family dysfunction, and parental substance abuse.

Pediatric nurses must be prepared to care for children and families who experience opioid addiction and overdose. The aim of the quality improvement project was to improve the skill set of nurses working with children and adolescents with substance use disorders (SUDs) in a pediatric psychiatric hospital.

Nurses attended a 2-hr workshop focused on nursing interventions related to SUD utilizing Orlando's Nursing Theory and Brief Intervention Therapy. Following the workshop, nurses reported their perceived competence in caring for individuals at risk for or identified with SUD increased.

The workshop appeared to be effective in increasing nurses' competence and confidence if working with youth and their families dealing with substance use issues.