College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Spring 6-8-2018

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Shannon Simonovich, DNP

Second Advisor

Joseph Tariman, DNP

Third Advisor

Robert Lasica, MSN, LSW

Abstract

Those living within the nursing home setting, or long-term care facilities, are at higher risk to succumb to the symptoms of depression due to illness, separation from family, and loss of autonomy. The available data has demonstrated that nurse practitioners are educated and trained to identify and treat depression. However, there is a lack of research that discusses the perspectives of nurse practitioners, such as how they utilize their clinical experience to tailor their treatment modalities on a case by case basis within the nursing home setting. They do this by using their specific assessment method to screen for depression, by monitoring patient’s activities of daily living, and by collaborating with those who specialize in psychiatry. This study aimed to uncover the perspectives of nurse practitioners who routinely diagnose, treat, and manage depression of nursing home residents. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews of fifteen nurse practitioners. It was discovered that the holistic treatment of depression in nursing home residents involves nurse practitioner’s collaboration with psychiatrists, monitoring of patient’s ADL, and the use of various assessment tools depending upon the level of clinical experience of the nurse practitioner.

SLP Collection

yes

Included in

Nursing Commons

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