Opioid training development: Cultivating nurse competence through education

Area of Science:

• Pediatric nursing
• Mental health
• Substance use disorders

Background:

• Societal concern regarding mental illness and substance use, particularly the opioid epidemic.
• Youth are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse due to various risk factors.
• Opioid addiction and overdose pose significant risks to children and adolescents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the skills of nurses caring for pediatric patients with substance use disorders (SUDs).
• To improve the quality of care for children and adolescents affected by opioid addiction and overdose.

Main Methods:

• A 2-hour workshop for nurses focusing on SUD interventions.
• Utilized Orlando's Nursing Theory and Brief Intervention Therapy in the training.
• Quality improvement project in a pediatric psychiatric hospital setting.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported increased perceived competence in managing SUD in youth.
• Post-workshop confidence in caring for at-risk youth and families improved.
• The training focused on practical nursing interventions for SUD.

Conclusions:

• The workshop effectively increased nurses' competence and confidence.
• Prepared pediatric nurses to better support youth and families facing substance use challenges.
• Highlights the importance of specialized training for pediatric mental health and SUD care.