Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025-05-05
Abstract
Enhancing Educational Content in a Critical Care Transition to Practice Program
Kate Altenburger, BSN RN
Abstract
Transition to practice programs have become well known methods for closing the practice gap experienced by new graduate nurses as they transition from nursing school to clinical practice. One such program at an urban pediatric hospital in the midwest identified two gaps in content. One gap was found in the skills station for blood gas interpretation. While the station did provide an opportunity for learners to practice interpretation, it did not relate the information to patient specific diagnoses or corrective interventions. Failure to intervene with changing assessment data is a current concern for novice nurses that can be addressed in transition to practice programs. Additionally, all the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) that participate in this program utilize the Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) and epidural pumps as pain management techniques. There was no opportunity for new nurses to practice with these pieces of equipment throughout the program, which was identified as a second gap. In addressing these two gaps, an education plan was developed to redesign the blood gas station and create a station for PCA and epidural pumps. In implementing a hands-on learning station for both content areas, learners are expected to demonstrate increases in self-reported confidence after each session. The project will also be evaluated by increased accuracy in completing the PEDS-BKAT blood gas test questions and completion of a skills competency checklist for PCA pumps.
License
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