Friday, October 15, 2021

UNCW School of Nursing faculty member Amanda Culp-Roche and colleagues have been funded $340,00 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to bolster the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner curriculum.

Over the next three years, the funds will be used to train doctor of nursing practice students completing required medication-assisted treatment education. Joining Culp-Roche are faculty co-investigators from the SON – Tammy Arms, Sara Hubbell, Tami Link and Anka Roberto. SON associate professor Matt Peterson will assist with data analysis.

Prior to and following the training, the team will assess NP students’ knowledge of substance use disorder and opioid treatment. When PMHNP and FNP students graduate, they will have the required training to apply for a DATA waiver to provide medication-assisted treatment for individuals struggling with substance use, specifically opioids.

“Considering the continued high rates of substance misuse and overdose, this training is very much needed in Wilmington and across the state, especially in areas without substance misuse treatment, where many of our NP graduates will practice upon graduation,” said Culp-Roche, who joined UNCW in August 2020.

Professor of Social Work Kristin Bolton will help evaluate the study and Associate Professor of Theatre Robin Post is working with the group to develop patient simulation experiences and direct theater students in their roles as patients.

The NP students will gain valuable training through interdisciplinary applied learning. The data gathered will help further identify areas of knowledge needed to treat substance misuse.

-- Caroline Cropp

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