Authors: (including presenting author): :
Kam MY (1)(2), Law KC (1), Wong TF (1), Chau WL (1), Chan CM (1), Ho YTS (1), Au W (1), Chan CSS (1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Medicine & Geriatrics, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals, Hong Kong, (2) Department of Nursing Services Division, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals, Hong Kong
Introduction: :
In year of 2020, Medicine Department is not only facing the problem of COVID-19 pandemic but the increasing admission of frail patients as well. Adequate nursing manpower and optimal clinical experience became a challenge to acute medical wards to cope with the increasing trend of admitting patient either required isolation or had more serious health condition. Between July and October 2020, total of 32 new graduated nurses joined M&G Department with very little clinical practicum experience because of withholding of student practicum in all hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Literature reported that an effective orientation has the potential to boost the new graduate nurses’ confidence, to promote effective role transition, to increase job satisfaction, and thereby to reduce attrition (Gavlak, 2007). In order to fill the theory-practice gap of the new graduated nurses with limited clinical exposure, the “Integrative Skill Enhancement Training Program” was conducted in October 2020. The 5 days comprehensive training schedule aim at enhancing the competence in different aspect of essential nursing skill that would be required in caring of patient with acute medical condition.
Objectives: :
(1) Integrate skill into the clinical practice and take up an independent role during a shift; (2) Practice as a competent cubicle nurse and provide safe patient care in medical ward (3) Have the basic knowledge and skills to manage deteriorate patient.
Methodology: :
Department clinical training team of two Ward Managers and eight Advanced Practice Nurse from various medical wards as well as intensive care unit was formed to design and coordinate the training program. The team was led by Department Operation Manager of Medical and Intensive Care Unit. The program comprises of 1) 3-Day included 21 planned lessons to deliver topics about daily operation and patient care management, 2) half day workshop to introduce emergency life-saving equipment and hands-on skill; and another half day workshop to introduce the basic ICU procedure on assist intubation of infectious patient, prone positioning, arterial pressure monitoring and priming of renal replacement machine 3) 1-Day Scenario-based Simulation Training to allow participants to handle the deteriorating patient and critical emergency situation in general ward setting through role plays method.
Result & Outcome: :
Total of 32 post-training evaluation questionnaire reflected that 97% of participants agreed that program content was appropriate. They agreed the topics were practical and useful. They expressed the program enhance their confidence to carry out their role in workplace. Participants also expressed simulated scenarios let them have the real practice to apply knowledge and skills when handling the deteriorating patient and critical emergency situation. The 5-Day Integrative Skill Enhancement Training Program delivered not only teaching theories and knowledge, but also enabling our new colleagues how to apply it into practice and thus develop their decision-making skills. Furthermore, it provided a platform for novice and senior nurses to share their experience and familiar with the working culture of the clinical team. It was a treasurable experience that enhance team communication while common goal and team trust was built among the manager, supervisor and frontlines during the process of designing and conducting the training program. Reference: Walsh, A.L. (2018). Nurse Residency Programs and the Benefits for New Graduate Nurses. Pediatric Nursing, 44 (6), 275-279.
