TOBACCO CESSATION FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES

Atrium

Objective. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to educate nurse practitioner students (APRN) on smoking information and techniques to assist clients with quitting smoking in the primary care setting. The research question is: Will an education program on tobacco cessation curriculum increase APRN students’ knowledge, skills, and confidence in providing tobacco cessation training? Background. The predicted shortfall of primary care physicians and the millions of newly insured beginning in 2014 call for an increase in the number of advanced practice nurses (Cassidy, 2012). Advanced practice nurses can significantly improve their clients' quality of life and increase their life expectancy through tobacco cessation education. Methods. Subjects will participate in an online smoking cessation training program. A 20 question survey of knowledge related to tobacco use and cessation and the Skills and Confidence for Smoking Cessation tool will be administered before and after the educational program. Demographic data including information about smoking status and exposure to formal smoking cessation training will be solicited. Results. Research will be completed December 2013. Conclusion. There will be a significant difference in knowledge, skills, and confidence post test. Grants. none