Board 151 - Program Innovations Abstract Facing the Challenges of Maintaining Relevant Content in a Simulation Based Nursing Orientation Program (Submission #595)

Abstract

Introduction/Background As current healthcare integrates new evidence-based practices and evolving technologies, educational programs are at a high risk of becoming outdated and irrelevant. Nursing orientation programs should be continually evaluated to develop new strategies to increase competencies through innovative approaches that are effective (i.e. simulation).1 Failure to continually evaluate training programs Results in missed opportunities to provide quality education and skills training that will impact patient care and outcomes.2 Additionally, inadequate orientation has been found to lead to high turnover rates for new graduates.3 Furthermore, significant cost savings can be saved through program design that eliminates ineffective educational Methods and/or repetitive information. To create competent, effective and pertinent orientation programs, educators must be innovative and current in their approach, integrating adult learning theories and experiential learning.4 Specific to RN orientation in a hospital setting, developers should consider current practices, policies, orienting staff roles (i.e. preceptors), opportunities to enhance learning through simulation,4,5communication, critical thinking and devise an assessment/evaluation plan for both orientees and the orientation program.3 Methods Educators for a local hospital were charged with the responsibility to redesign the RN orientation program for new hires. Previous orientation had little change in format and content over the last two decades and had continually increased in length and time, more than doubling the cost of orientation. Educators were thoughtful throughout the development of the new simulation based nursing program, working with content experts to eliminate redundant and extraneous information (i.e. LMS, online learning) to maximize time and quality of the learning experience. Additionally, continual evaluation has become a common practice to ensure that the orientation does not become outdated and continually improvement. The orientation program occurs during the first week of each new hire’s RN orientation. Formerly, courses were taught through lecture (i.e. PowerPoint) and online (LMS) format. Educators worked together with clinical nursing staff to create a more experience based training using current equipment and supplies as their hired location. The training was created to include nine skill stations and nine patient simulated scenario,s using both high fidelity simulation and standardized patients. Each skill station and scenario incorporates detailed nursing practice information. Education coordinators were purposeful to include practicing bedside nurses in the development of the program. Preceptors were chosen from various levels of care and nursing specialties to assist with the design of the program and also to serve as an instructor. The inclusion of a rotating preceptor in each course has had a considerable impact in keeping the information updated and is an actual reflection of bedside nursing.6 The program has also incorporated unit based assessments which are completed on the RN’s assigned unit at two crucial times during their orientation. The first is completed as a midpoint assessment and the second is an end-point assessment. Results: Conclusion New RNs need practical, hands on, specific education. This education must be continually updated at the same rate that policies, equipment and products are updated within the hospital system. The midpoint and endpoint assessments have made a positive contribution to keep the nursing orientation program relevant. As instructors leave the simulation center and gain quality time assessing RNs in the inpatient units, they are able to bring back valuable information. This information has been used to evaluate the program and make changes to keep the course content current. Course instructors are also mindful to stay connected to important multidisciplinary teams. It is crucial to be informed of new safety initiatives, updated customer service standards and important nursing outcome related data. Collaboration with various internal stakeholders has proven valuable resource. Such groups include: Patient Safety, Product Value Analysis, Nursing and Infection Prevention Outcome Managers and Policy and Procedure Review Committees.