Abstract

Abstract Category: Practice Innovation / Performance Improvement (PI)

Purpose: The purpose of the implemented initiative was to improve communication, critical thinking and decision making of novice/advanced beginner nurses on the medical/surgical areas.

Methods: The bedside Clinical Nurse Educator’s (CNE’s) identified Novice/Advance Beginner Nurses in their departments. Meetings were planned on a 1:1 basis with the CNE’s and the identified nurses on the respective units. They called the sessions “Educational Dates,” or” E-Dates”. A tool for documentation during the E-dates was developed. During these E-dates the CNE shadowed the identified nurses for intervals of two to three hours in two separate occasions. During these E-dates the CNE would assessed on the areas of hand off report, patient assessment, documentation, medication administration and communication; looking for opportunities of improvement. Upon the E-date completion the CNE’s compared and discussed observations with the observed nurses and used reflection to promote learning and understanding of identified areas for improvement

Findings: Improving the competency of nurses reflects on a delivery of safer patient care. As nurses develop and advance in their roles it is important to address their skills in all levels of practice. Enhancing nurses’ communication skills and assisting with their critical thinking will not only elevate nurses’ competency but also improve nursing practice.

Discussion: With the current nursing shortage it is found experienced nurses are limited in number, healthcare systems use new graduates to help fill the gap (Blevins & Millen, 2016). Recently an increased in novice/advanced beginner nurses have being identified in the medical/surgical areas. However our institution is committed to the successful transition of these novice advance/beginner nurses. Leadership is aware that a successful transition influences patient safety and outcomes, financial cost and nurses’ longevity in the profession. The transition from advanced beginner to competent-proficient nurse includes experience within the clinical environment. Nurses at this level have showed mastered technical skills and the ability to provide patient care with competence and confidence. The interprofessional relations with physicians and nurses it’s greatly valued in our organization. Novice/advanced beginners nurses must feel comfortable and confident when communicating with physician, reporting findings, and documenting. Recent physician satisfaction survey scores showed that the physician’s perception of nurse’s competency decreased. Therefore, an initiative aimed to improve communication, critical thinking and decision making of novice nurses was started. Consequently with the expectation of improvement on the physicians’ perception of nurses’ competency.

Implications for Practice: Improving the competency of nurses reflects on a delivery of safer patient care. As nurses develop and advance in their roles it is important to address their skills in all levels of practice. Enhancing nurses’ communication skills and assisting with their critical thinking will not only elevate nurses’ competency but also improve nursing practice.

Publication Date

4-3-2018

Presented At:

2018 West Kendall Baptist Hospital Scholarly Showcase

Content Type

Poster

Additional Authors:

Sandra Bastidas, MSN/Ed, RN, RN-BC

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