Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Open Access
Embargo Period
3-20-2017
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Public Health Nurse Leader
Year Degree Awarded
2017
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, LGBT, cultural competence, nursing education, BSN
Advisor
Raeann G LeBlanc
DNP Project Chair
Raeann G LeBlanc
DNP Project Member Name
Terrie Black
DNP Project Outside Member Name
Jessica R Williams
Abstract
Purpose: To this day, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities still experience negative health outcomes due to social stigma and discrimination. Additionally, nursing has lagged behind other health professions in the promotion of culturally competent care to members of this minority group. Several national authorities on LGBT health have proposed guidelines for providing such care to the LGBT population; however, many nursing schools are not integrating these recommendations into their curricula. Methods: Using these national guidelines, an educational program was developed for BSN students at a large south Florida university to improve competency in providing care for LGBT individuals. The goal was to improve nursing providers’ attitudes, knowledge and skills in the care of the LGBT community. 120 BSN students completed online modules regarding LGBT health disparities and a disaster simulation requiring the placement of a transgender individual in proper emergency housing. Participants were surveyed pre- and post- intervention as well as one month after to assess if any changes observed had persisted. Results: Overall cultural competence scores increased significantly from baseline to post-test and did not decline significantly at one month follow-up. Notable improvements in the instrument sub-scales (knowledge, skills, and awareness) were also noted. Finally, both the presenter and the program received positive ratings regarding the usefulness of the program and its applicability to nursing practice. Conclusion: Educational content focused on providing culturally competent care for LGBT individuals may lead to improvements in providers’ awareness, skills, and knowledge about the unique needs of the LGBT population.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
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Public Health and Community Nursing Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons