Abstract

Discussion: With the current nursing shortage it is found that experienced nurses are limited in number, and healthcare systems use new graduates to help fill the gap (Blevins & Millen, 2016). In 2015, an increase in novice/advanced beginner nurses was identified in the medical/surgical areas. The 2015 physician satisfaction survey scores showed that the physicians’ perception of nurses’ competency decreased. An initiative for improvement aimed to improve communication, critical thinking and decision making of novice nurses was implemented.

Purpose: The purpose of the implemented initiative was to improve physician and peer satisfaction of working with clinically competent nurses by improving communication, critical thinking and decision making of novice advanced/beginner nurses in the acute med-ical surgical area.

Methods: 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 identi-fied 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 occa-sions. During these E-dates the CNE would assessed on the areas of hand off report, patient assessment, documentation, medication administration and communication. As opportuni-ties for improving critical thinking were identified the CNE addressed findings with the nurses and encouraged nurses to reflect on the experience.

Findings: The implementation of the E-Dates by the CNE in the acute med-surg areas im-proved the communication, critical thinking and decision making of the novice advanced/beginner nurses. The result was an increase in physician and peer satisfaction improving the interprofessional relationships valued by our organization.

Publication Date

6-15-2018

Presented At:

13th Annual BHSF Research Conference

Content Type

Poster

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