Use of AANN Seizure and Epilepsy Certificate Program to Improve Neuroscience Nurse's Knowledge and Confidence

BACKGROUND : Epilepsy centers and epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs) specialize in the care of individuals with epilepsy, often requiring patients to undergo evaluations that may increase their risk of injury or status epilepticus. The National Association of Epilepsy Centers has established an accreditation framework for these centers, which includes epilepsy-specific training for nurses in level 3 and 4 facilities. The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) launched a certificate program for the seizure and epilepsy healthcare professional, addressing this educational requirement. This study assessed the effects of the AANN epilepsy certificate on nursing knowledge and self-reported confidence in delivering care in an EMU. METHODS : This prospective cohort study involved 39 neuroscience nurses who completed a 20-item knowledge assessment and self-reported measures of knowledge and confidence using a Likert scale before and after completing the AANN epilepsy certificate, followed by 2 additional evaluations. RESULTS : The mean scores on the epilepsy knowledge check increased from 12.3 to 16.1 ( P < .001). This improvement in knowledge was correlated with the highest terminal degree attained ( P = .046), but not with years of experience, time spent in neurology, pediatric nurse certification, or the frequency of work in the EMU. In addition, self-reported confidence scores rose from 19.0 to 22.1 ( P < .001). Based on chart review of the 2 months before and after completion of the modules, the time from seizure identification to seizure treatment decreased from a mean of 6.5 to 4 minutes. CONCLUSION : The completion of the AANN certificate program enhanced the epilepsy-related knowledge and confidence of neuroscience nurses. These educational modules help to meet accreditation requirements for epilepsy centers and provide substantial benefits for nurses.