Application of experiential learning in training of new nurses in intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective In order to evaluate the effects of experiential learning in the training of new nurses in intensive care unit.Methods Seventy-nine new nurses enrolled from 2010 to 2012 were divided into the experimental group(41 nurses) and the control group(38 nurses).Each team experienced prework training for two months.The experimental group used experiential learning.The control group selected common practice.After training nurses were investigated by a self-designed questionnaire about their appraisal to experiential training and had a exam.Results The scores of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group.There were significant differences in social comfort and physical comfort between two groups.The experimental group had a higher approbation for experiential training.Conclusions Experiential learning contribute to make nurses master knowledge and technique,make them apply comfort nursing to patients.It is also favorable to increase specialized skills and quality of nurses and results in higher nursing quality for ICU patients. Key words: Experiential teaching; Training of nurses; Intensive care unit