Degree Name
Nursing Practice, DNP
Publication Date
9-21-2026
First Advisor
Sandy King
Second Advisor
Beatrice Bailey
Abstract
Treatment-induced dysglycemia is a frequently underrecognized complication of pediatric cancer therapy. Pediatric oncology nurses play a critical role in recognizing and managing dysglycemia; however, limited exposure to specialized dysglycemia education may contribute to gaps in knowledge and confidence. A site needs assessment found that 53% of nurses reported discomfort with glycemia-related concepts, supporting the need for targeted education. The purpose of the project was to evaluate changes in pediatric oncology nurses’ knowledge and confidence in recognizing and responding to treatment-induced dysglycemia. The project aimed to provide a structured educational intervention and measure pre- and post-intervention changes. Newman’s Health as Expanding Consciousness provided the theoretical framework, and Lewin’s Change Model guided implementation. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design included 21 registered nurses at a pediatric oncology hospital. The intervention included didactic education, case-based learning, and continuous glucose monitor training. Knowledge was measured using the Diabetes Knowledge Test 2 (DKT2), and confidence was measured using the Diabetes Device Confidence Scale (DDCS). Knowledge and confidence increased significantly following the intervention. Median DKT2 scores increased from 18 to 22, z = -3.83, p < .001. Mean DDCS scores increased from 46.57 (SD = 12.74) to 59.90 (SD = 11.38), t(20) = -6.61, p < .001. Findings demonstrated increased knowledge and confidence among participating pediatric oncology nurses after the educational intervention. Incorporating dysglycemia education into staff development at the project site may support nursing recognition and response to treatment-induced dysglycemia and inform pediatric oncology nurse education
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Recommended Citation
Abrams, Lindley, "Quality Improvement Project: Improving Nursing Knowledge and Confidence of Dysglycemia in Pediatric Oncology Patients" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 377.
https://arch.astate.edu/dnp-projects/377
