Rachel Augustine, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM: No financial relationships to disclose
Overview/Abstract: A novice nurse's transition to independent practice can be riddled with insecurity, stress, and hesitancy, leading to patient safety issues. The Periop 101 program assists nurses with no perioperative experience through the transition to independent practice. However, the graduates in the practice setting were not adequately prepared for emergency or specialized situations upon graduation. While under the care of novice to advanced beginner intraoperative nurses, there has been a 45 percent increase in incident reports compared with experienced nurses in the practice setting. The project aimed to provide opportunities for novice to advanced beginner nurses to gain confidence and critical thinking skills and practice their newly gained knowledge in a safe environment. The proposed strategy that was utilized in the project was to conduct three structured simulation learning opportunities. Simulation learning is an evidence-based solution found worldwide with excellent results for students. The measures used to evaluate the project include a pre- and post-survey utilizing the Likert scale and a post-session debrief interview. The surveys allow for the data to be graphed and the goals of the simulation to be identified. Having quantitative and qualitative data is essential. Thus, the post-session survey will include interview questions that allow the facilitators to ascertain the students' feelings as they go through the program and if the simulations are achieving their goals. The Likert scale scores and individual comments during the post-session survey can be collected for review by the session instructor and department leadership. The project's desired outcome was an increase in self-reported Likert scores from session to session and positive feedback during the post-session interviews. Also, increased confidence and critical thinking skills before independent practice will improve patient-centered care.
Description of Current State: The current state lacks simulation learning opportunities prior to graduation from the Periop 101 program. The students lacked confidence and had an increase in patient safety incidents.
