The Pearls and Perils of Cross‐Training: A Collaboration of Antepartum and Labor and Delivery Room Nurses

Abstract

Poster Presentation Professional Issues Poster Presentation A cross‐training program was designed to increase the skill level of antepartum nurses in preparation for the increase acuity of patients in the unit. Cross‐training has been used by healthcare facilities to support the fluctuating needs of hospital units. Staff with similar skill sets have been successfully cross‐trained with education and clinical support. A cross‐training program was implemented in our health system to increase the skill level of the nurses in the antepartum unit. The program was to be a means of strengthening ties with labor and delivery (L&D), while at the same time giving the antepartum nurse an opportunity to experience the L&D process. Linking these units with similar skills made cross‐training easier because the nurses were already familiar with many of the protocols and devices. This poster presentation will display the benefits of cross‐training the antepartum and L&D staff, and illustrate challenges encountered. Proposed Change To provide opportunities for antepartum nurses to acquire new skills and enhance skills, knowledge, and abilities. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation To implement cross‐training to increase the skill level of nurses to accommodate the higher acuity level of patients in an antepartum unit. The nurses from the antepartum unit were paired with nurses from L&D for several shifts. New staff nurses were oriented in L&D for several weeks. Experienced nurses had a shorten rotation to the L&D unit. The L&D preceptors played an important professional and individual role toward achieving desired clinical outcomes. The nursing staff from L&D and the antepartum unit developed a bond of respect after spending time together. The antepartum nurses gained a surge of knowledge, confidence, and professional growth during their cross‐training. Outcomes included acquisition of new skills and insights, increased morale, improved overall motivation and collaboration between the units, and improved confidence of staff. Implications for Nursing Practice Cross‐trained nurses developed new skills, confidence in patient care delivery, and respect for each other. With more skilled and flexible nursing staff, patients receive optimal care. At the end of cross‐training, nurses from the antepartum unit were given a survey to evaluate their cross‐training experience. Novice nurses learned new skills, experienced antepartum nurses expanded their knowledge base, and L&D nurses had the opportunity to take pride in their leadership capacity as preceptors. All participants involved in this cross‐training program enriched their skills and strengthened the delivery of care in our women's health units.