This project aims to impact nursing knowledge and attitudes toward trans* and gender-nonconforming patients. The term transgender, synonymous with the term trans*, is utilized by individuals whose gender and designated sex at birth differ from one another, compared to cisgender persons whose gender and assigned sex are aligned (Erickson-Schroth, 2014).
The trans* population remains underserved. Nurses conscious and unconscious biases impede the advancement of knowledge and attitudes needed to promote best outcomes for trans* patients. Trans* patients have many of the same healthcare concerns as cisgender individuals. However, unique needs for this population arise from compounded issues of prejudice and bias (Stroumsa, 2014). Nursing staff must be confident and competent in their abilities to care for trans* patients. Improved cultural competence is one component that is impactful and is essential to the improvement of nursing knowledge and attitudes (Boroughs, Bedoya, O\u27Cleirigh, & Safren, 2015). Utilizing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Healthcare (LGBT Healthcare) Scale and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Knowledge (LGBT Knowledge) Questionnaire, this DNP project revealed the participant sample presented with positive knowledge and attitudes at baseline before reviewing the education module. Results of the knowledge questionnaire exhibited a statistically significant increase from the pre to posttest, while attitudes remained unchanged. Information gained, promotes culturally sensitive care for the trans* and gender-nonconforming population and will be disseminated to the greater population at a large mid-western hospital. In fact, future implications of this project include: improved retention and greater satisfaction for both staff and patients
