Authors (including presenting author) :
Sy PY, Lee SW, Ng CB, Cheung KY, Hui CY, Lai SN, Cheng YC, Mok LC
Affiliation :
Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology (O&T), Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Manpower shortage of nurses and staff retention remains a major issue to cope with growing demand of healthcare services. With increasing attrition rate of nurses and decreasing senior to junior nurse ratio, it is crucial to provide specialty-based training to junior nurses as soon as they integrate into new clinical units to facilitate adaptation, enhance professional development and competency, and increase their confidence and job satisfaction, so as to provide optimal care to patients and reduce staff attrition rate. To achieve this, ‘CAST’ Program in department of O&T has been implemented.
Objectives :
Through this program, participants would be able to: 1. Enhance competence as O&T nurses by acquiring specialized basic O&T knowledge and skills and management of emergent O&T conditions 2. Adapt to clinical environment through orientation of departmental protocols and programs 3. Tackle difficulties commonly encountered in daily work from sharing of clinical practical tips
Methodology :
From 2017 to 2018, ‘CAST’ Program was conducted for 31 fresh graduates and other newly joined nurses who had worked for about 3 months. This program mainly consisted of 4 components: i) Management of O&T critical conditions (C); ii) application of O&T departmental protocols and programs (A); iii) hands-on practice of O&T specialized nursing skills with assessment (S); and iv) sharing of clinical practical tips (T). Upon completion of the program, pocket-sized departmental-specific quick reference guides including information taught were given to participants to refer to. Evaluation forms were distributed for program evaluation.
Result & Outcome :
In these two years, all participants were satisfied with ‘CAST’ Program and agreed the contents met their learning needs and were practical for use. They all concurred this program could facilitate their adaptation and integration into new working environment, enhance their competency in O&T specialized nursing and boost their confidence to take up their new roles. Moreover, zero attrition was noted among participants. They all continue to work in the department until now. In conclusion, ‘CAST’ Program can engage and empower fresh graduated nurses by facilitating adaptation in role transition and enhancing their competency. With increased confidence and job satisfaction, they would be more committed to their work, thus minimizes attrition.
Co-location with:
