Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026-05-05
Abstract
Early recognition of patient deterioration is essential to preventing adverse outcomes. However, new graduate nurses often lack the clinical judgment and confidence needed to identify and act on subtle changes in patient status. This project addresses a documented practice gap in novice nurses’ ability to recognize and escalate care for deteriorating patients within an acute care setting in the southeastern United States. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured educational program incorporating case studies, small group discussion, and high-fidelity simulation in improving new graduate nurses’ confidence and clinical performance. Grounded in Benner’s Novice to Expert Model and Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory, the six-week program provides education to approximately 100 nurse residents. Participants engage in weekly, small group discussions working through case studies focused on early signs of deterioration. A final simulation scenario is utilized to measure knowledge application at the end of the course. Program evaluation includes pre- and post-intervention confidence surveys using a Likert scale and objective assessment through a standardized simulation rubric. Anticipated outcomes include increased self-reported confidence and improved clinical performance in recognizing and responding to patient deterioration. Findings support existing literature indicating that simulation-based education and case studies enhance clinical judgment, situational awareness, and timely escalation of care. This project aims to demonstrate that targeted, experiential educational strategies within nurse residency programs can effectively bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.
License
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