Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong SL (1), Wong LY Melody (2), Leung KN Sharron (3)
Affiliation :
(1) Cardiothoracic Surgical Department , Queen Mary Hospital (2) Cardiothoracic Surgical Department , Queen Mary Hospital (3) Cardiothoracic Surgical Department , Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
Queen Mary Hospital is an academic teaching hospital in Hong Kong which provides quality training and placement to nurses with different academic backgrounds and qualifications, ensuring novice nurse’s standardized practice and competencies plays indispensable role in clinical safety and quality care. With diversity in student’s training backgrounds, ward staff may face challenges in recognizing their competency level. Hence, a department-based competency evaluation system for all newly joined nurses was designed to standardize their practices, minimize the theory-practice gap, ensure their professional competency and improve clinical workflow.
Objectives :
Reestablish a new competency evaluation system for undergraduate nurses to enhance clinical safety and efficiency whilst supporting them becoming full partner in healthcare team.
Methodology :
All newly joined nurses practicing in CTSD went through mandatory departmental competency assurance training. Besides orientation to nursing workflow, the novices had to complete four departmental procedural assessments prior they could perform them independently. The four procedures were all with high volume in CTSD, which included blood glucose POCT test, tube feeding, aseptic technique and performing 12 leads ECG. Designated clinical mentors would then guided their practices towards departmental standard, exploring their learning needs and debrief with feedbacks. Besides formal documented records, a color coded competency verification label representing their academic background and competency level was designed. Clinical mentors would circle the completed assessment and signed on the label till all four assessments were completed. They had to attach the label on staff card when practicing in CTSD. Ward staff would then assign their clinical roles and jobs accordingly.
Result & Outcome :
In 2018, 30 undergraduate nurses joined the program. All passed the assessments with 100% complied in subsequent spot check audit. No record of near miss or clinical incident related to these procedures. Retrospective interview with the novice nurses showed increment in career satisfaction and confidence to work with positive learning experiences. Senses of belonging were enhanced through contributing as a qualified team member after completing assessments. 85 % of them expressed the willing to work in CTSD after graduation as they had built up strong commitment to department since working here. In addition, ward staff reported the program improved nursing workflow and supported the building of a safe and effective team. Nursing staff could effectively identify and monitor new nurse’s competency level accordingly. Roles and jobs assignment could be organized effectively in a safe ground. Conclusion The competency evaluation system successfully enhances clinical workflow and facilitates nurse transforming from a novice to a competent RN in CTSD. With further infusion of hands-on experiences and feedback, it can greatly enhance services quality and help striving best nursing training in clinical area.
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