Date of Award

Spring 5-2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Kristi Frisbee, [email protected]

Second Advisor

Jamie Wood, [email protected]

Third Advisor

Tracy Stahl, [email protected]

Abstract

Seizure disorders are often misunderstood and can carry stigmas, especially in institutional care settings where direct care staff knowledge and preparedness affect patient safety and quality of life. At Parsons State Hospital and Training Center (PSH&TC), staff lacked standardized training on seizures, and no formal seizure response protocol existed, which created gaps in care and reduced staff confidence. The purpose of this project was to improve staff understanding of seizures and establish a clear, consistent procedure for responding to seizure events. A pre- and post-survey design was used to measure staff knowledge, awareness, and confidence regarding seizure management. Between the surveys, an educational session was held to provide information on seizure causes, recognizing different seizure types, and appropriate interventions before, during, and after a seizure. In addition, a step-by-step seizure policy and procedure was developed and implemented across the facility. Post-survey results indicated increased staff awareness, better understanding of seizure disorders, and higher confidence in managing patients experiencing seizures. Staff also reported feeling more prepared and less anxious when responding to seizure events. The implementation of a facility-wide protocol provided clear and consistent steps for staff, reducing variation in care and improving patient safety. Overall, this project demonstrates that targeted education combined with standardized procedures can enhance staff preparedness, reduce stigma, and promote safer and more consistent care for individuals with seizure disorders in institutional settings. These improvements have meaningful implications for patient quality of life and can serve as a model for similar facilities seeking to address gaps in seizure management and staff training.

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