Abstract WP490: Novice to Certified: Promoting Professional Development in Nurses on a Stroke Specialty Unit

Abstract

Background and Purpose: This project was designed to guide the novice nurse through their first two years. A personalized growth track was developed that allowed them to prepare for submission to a Professional Nurse Development Program (PNDP) at the end of year one with the knowledge and skills needed to sit for a certification exam by the end of year two. The growth track is a slow emersion into incorporating evidence based practice, research, and professional growth into nursing practice. The track is developed during orientation and provides a roadmap to meet the requirements of advancement to a Level II professional nurse with the goal of achieving Level III after certification. Their interests are used as a personalized guide to connect the nurse with activities that develop these interests into professional practice. Steps include introduction to unit/hospital nursing congress, quality initiatives, clinical certifications, as well as professional certification, with Stroke being the preferred field. The program allows for introduction into precepting, shift leading, and participation in task force or committee work. The growth track is designed to promote confidence and critical thinking skills in the novice nurse. Methods: The project followed 10 new graduates on a stroke specialty unit. The growth track was initiated at the end of the unit orientation. Progression was monitored quarterly through their first two years. Results: All 10 progressed through the growth track program with 7 submitting for the PNDP program at the end of year 1 and achieving Level II. The other three submitted before their second anniversary. All 10 have achieved a clinical certification and have participated in a stroke certification review course, with 6 of the 10 having applied for and scheduled their stroke nurse certification exam before their second anniversary. Conclusions: Compared to nurses who were hired before the growth track was utilized; nurses who participated in this program reached professional milestones ahead of what was generally seen as the normal curve. Follow-up to this program will be to look closely at quality and patient satisfaction data to ascertain the effect of increased professional develop of bedside staff on quality of care.