Background 

Unintentional drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Previous research identified training health caregivers in the rescue medication naloxone as a strategy to prevent death from opioid overdose. Existing research on naloxone training with nursing students is limited. This educational research project investigated whether training on opioids, opioid toxicity, and overdose response could impact student knowledge, skills, and confidence responding to overdoses.

Method 

Data were collected from baccalaureate nursing students using three sources: the Brief Opioid Overdose Knowledge questionnaire, a rubric based on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration opioid overdose prevention toolkit, and a researcher-developed evaluation.

Results 

Planned repeated-measures analyses of variance conducted on data from 284 baccalaureate students indicated high uptake of knowledge and skills for opioid toxicity and naloxone administration. Results were maintained with slight enhancement at 1 week, and training was highly rated. Cohort analysis suggests efficacy across semesters.

Conclusion 

Education improved student opioid knowledge, skills, and confidence and was relevant across undergraduate nursing curricula.