Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan HC (1), Ki HC (1), Wong KY (1), Tang PY (1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Surgery, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
The hustle and bustle of surgery department often creates huge challenges and pressure for the new nurse graduates. Supporting them is essential for maintaining safe and high-quality nursing care, as well as fostering a cohesive team. Basic concepts for surgery nursing has been taught through 2 weeks Surgical Induction Programme. Afterwards, they put the theory into practice to become competent team leaders. As to foster their adaptability, we have created learning tools and evaluations with the use of technology. These tools aim to cultivate new comers to learn common surgical nursing care and self- reflect on their abilities.
Objectives :
1. Assist preceptees in adapting: Facilitate adaptation to ward procedures and routines in the surgical ward.
2. Promote self-awareness: Encourage new graduates to recognize their abilities and identify knowledge gaps.
3. Cultivate a learning atmosphere: Foster an environment that supports individual learning.
4. Enhance patient safety: Enhance their competence and standard to improve patient safety and reduce errors in practice.
Methodology :
1) Create Electronic Self-Competence Checklist
An online platform was formed as communication channels with preceptees, ward manager, preceptors, and clinical teacher.
All 2024 preceptees were invited to use the electronic self-competence checklist which is a three-point scale questionnaire assesses existing competencies including specimen handling, discharge planning, ERAS program, pre & post op care, pressure injury prevention and fall prevention etc.
Based on the results, targeted training & knowledge sessions (including electronic quick guide) will be provided for staff who demonstrate gaps in their skills. Following the training, self-
competence checklist re conducted to evaluate whether the staff have achieved the necessary competencies for their daily practice. All the result could be shared on the platforms.
(2) Create Electronic Quick Guide
The e-Quick guide is simple and graphical design The guide book includes ward routine, admission & common surgery procedures checklists, preparation for operation etc for them to prepare patients quickly and correctly. And they can retrieve all information by mobile phone anytime.
(3) Pretest & Posttest
The test, contains 10 questions and full score is 19, to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of quick guide and the knowledge of nursing care.
Result & Outcome :
Total 11 new nurses were recruited. 71 out of 83 items in the self-competence checklist were, either not competent or only some competent. The areas of concern involved making referrals to other specialties, the ERAS program, and bedside procedures.
Regarding knowledge test, mean score of pre-test and post-test was 9.6 and 12.8 out of 19 respectively. Most of the preceptees agrees that the quick guide is useful for them and they usually use it one time per week or even more. The item of bedside procedure is the most useful. Overall, they give merits to quick guide for its convenience - refer to what they need in a simple click.
After providing timely and targeted training, the preceptees became more familiar with these procedures and were able to monitor their own progress effectively.
The integration of self-competence checklists and quick guides serves as a cornerstone for new surgical nurses, facilitating a smoother adaptation to the surgical ward. By fostering self-awareness and providing practical tools, we can enhance their confidence and competence in delivering high-quality patient care.
