Collaborative and Interprofessional Educational Program to Maintain Trauma-Focused Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Failure to rescue is prevalent among patients with traumatic injury who are admitted to medical-surgical units. These units are traditionally staffed by new graduate nurses who require mentorship and ongoing continuing education. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted nurse educators to develop and implement new methods of providing routine and just-in-time education in the hospital setting. This article describes a trauma-focused educational program with live sessions and online educational activities created with survey software. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2023;54(6):275-280.].

Teaching Evolving Information and Guidelines Using Technology.

Evidence-based practice can provide a guideline for teaching evolving information and guidelines related to communicable diseases. Teaching nurses with technology and the social constructivism framework allows for the transmission of knowledge and identification of knowledge limitations. The current health care challenges related to infectious diseases have provided opportunities for expanding how nurses are educated about evolving guidelines. This article provides an example of teaching nurses using the chain of infection. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2023;54(2):58-60.].

From Chaos to Control: One-Page Tip Sheet, a Nursing Professional Development Specialist's Essential Tool for Just-in-Time Education.

The speed of change in health care dictates that information and education must be rapidly disseminated. One-page tip sheets summarize and highlight the most important information at the point of care and provide links to further resources. The nursing professional development specialist plays a key role in facilitating and enabling rapid organizational change. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2023;54(1):11-15.].

The Lived Experiences of New Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Contributions to Nursing Education and Professional Development.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on new nurses' transition to the staff nurse role in hospital settings. New staff nurses were not prepared to care for COVID-19 patients based on their previous nursing education. Method A qualitative descriptive design with purposive sampling was used for this study. Twenty-nine new nurses were recruited. They were interviewed using a semi-structured guide to elicit data that were coded and analyzed using content analysis. Results Five themes were identified: "You might have to risk your own life to save others," "I wish I had developed a thicker skin," "There is real world and there is nursing school," "Learning how to handle your own mental health," and "What I would tell them." Conclusion New nurses described their preparedness from baccalaureate education to clinical practice as insufficient in certain areas that were needed in the care of COVID-19 patients. Nurse educators who teach in pre-licensure and hospital orientation programs can revise or expand on the themes voiced by new nurses in order to improve their transition to the staff nurse role. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(10):451-459.].

Implementation of a Continuing Education Program for Frontline Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A continuing education program was designed to help nurses stay safe while providing nursing care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program addressed topics aimed at empowering nurses to advocate for their own health and safety as a result of increased knowledge related to caring for patients and communities during a global pandemic. A four-part, on-demand webinar series was offered from January 2021 through January 2022. The program had 1,025 international participants and 995 contact hours were issued. The Frontline Nursing During COVID-19: A New Paradigm continuing education program provided professional development to nurses around the world. It is critical to offer accessible programs that address safety and empowerment for nurses in clinical settings. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(9):425-428.].

Advancing Antibiotic Stewardship Nursing Practice Through Standardized Education: A Pilot Study.

Background Antibiotic resistance is a leading global public health threat. Nurses are well positioned to optimize antibiotic use via targeted antibiotic stewardship (AS) nursing practices. However, standardized AS education for nurses is lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an online AS for nurses continuing education program on nurses' antibiotic resistance, antibiotic, and AS knowledge and their intent to integrate AS into their clinical practice. Method A quasi-experiential pretest-posttest design was used with a convenience sample of nurses at a U.S. academic medical center. Focus groups were conducted with those completing the program. Results Forty-seven of 100 eligible nurses completed the program and the pre- and posttest surveys. Participation resulted in statistically significant increases (p < .05) in antibiotic resistance, antibiotic, and AS knowledge, confidence, and perceptions related to the role of nursing in AS. Focus group participants had multiple recommendations for ways to integrate AS in daily nursing practice. Conclusion Completing a comprehensive AS nursing continuing education program could prove instrumental to motivating nurses to adopt AS nursing practices. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(9):417-423.].

Evaluation of a Nursing-Focused Training and Education Strategy for a Facility Transitioning to a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

Background Increasing numbers of facilities are pursuing verification as pediatric trauma centers. Nurses need effective training to provide optimal care for pediatric trauma patients. This study evaluated the implementation of a nursing-focused education strategy that accompanied the process of opening a pediatric trauma center. Method Training comprised a lecture series, skills stations, and simulation. Participation was recorded. Pre- and post-training surveys were used to evaluate effectiveness. Results Participation in training was high (lectures, n = 185; skills stations, n = 151; simulation, n = 301). Survey responses indicated an increased confidence to treat pediatric trauma patients (2 out of 5 vs. 3 out of 5; p < .001). Nearly half (49.1%) of the nurses found simulations to be the most effective element of training on the post-training survey. Conclusion High participation and improved confidence indicate a feasible and effective training curriculum. Simulation was perceived as the most effective training modality. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(9):405-410.].

Facilitating Organizational Learning in Nursing Teams.

Organizational learning is an effective strategy professional development educators and other nurse leaders can use to improve individual, team, and organizational outcomes. Professional development educators can foster organizational learning by implementing certain actions, called mechanisms, associated with organizational learning. This article highlights five such mechanisms, presents practical examples of each, and suggests evidence-based recommendations professional development educators and nurse leaders can use to better facilitate organizational learning. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(8):379-384.].

The Effect of Education and Follow-up Provided via Tele-nursing on the Quality of Life of Patients With COVID-19.

Background Patient education and follow-up can be accomplished without time or space constraints via tele-nursing. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of education and follow-up provided via tele-nursing on the quality of life of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Method This semi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest design in a single group. It was conducted between April 1, 2021, and October 1, 2021, with 63 patients who presented to a state hospital. The Patient Information Form and the Duke Health Profile were administered to the patients prior to the education. Then, the patients completed the COVID-19 education program. Next, follow-up and counseling occurred via tele-nursing every other day for 14 days. At the end of the 14th day, the Duke Health Profile was once again administered to the patients. Results The patients had decreased physical, mental, and social health scores after the intervention. In addition, their pain, anxiety, and depression scores decreased. Conclusion Nurses should assume a more active role in patient education and include tele-nursing in nursing care. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(8):365-371.].

Achieving Long-term Goals Amidst Uncertainty: An Integrative Model for the Psychological Resources of Grit.

This article proposes an integrative model for the psychological resources of grit. The growing body of work in nursing on the topic of grit indicates considerable interest in achieving long-term goals, especially amidst uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic. Motivational behaviors are thought to influence engagement in continuing education in nursing, thereby improving clinical practice and patient outcomes. The model was informed by a comprehensive review of the literature. Sixteen attributes for acquiring and strengthening four psychological resources of grit were identified. Each attribute is discussed along with interrelationships and implications for professional nursing development. Given the complex demands placed on health professionals, this model is both timely and relevant for all nurse and education providers interested in enhancing personal characteristics that may mitigate against stress and build capabilities for goal achievement. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(8):355-363.].

Preparing for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases: Example of a high-level isolation unit.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with high-consequence infectious diseases (HCID) are rare in Western Europe. However, high-level isolation units (HLIU) must always be prepared for patient admission. Case fatality rates of HCID can be reduced by providing optimal intensive care management. We here describe a single centre's preparation, its embedding in the national context and the challenges we faced during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. METHODS: Ten team leaders organize monthly whole day trainings for a team of doctors and nurses from the HLIU focusing on intensive care medicine. Impact and relevance of training are assessed by a questionnaire and a perception survey, respectively. Furthermore, yearly exercises with several partner institutions are performed to cover different real-life scenarios. Exercises are evaluated by internal and external observers. Both training sessions and exercises are accompanied by intense feedback. RESULTS: From May 2017 monthly training sessions were held with a two-month and a seven-month break due to the first and second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, respectively. Agreement with the statements of the questionnaire was higher after training compared to before training indicating a positive effect of training sessions on competence. Participants rated joint trainings for nurses and doctors at regular intervals as important. Numerous issues with potential for improvement were identified during post processing of exercises. Action plans for their improvement were drafted and as of now mostly implemented. The network of the permanent working group of competence and treatment centres for HCID (Ständiger Arbeitskreis der Kompetenz- und Behandlungszentren für Krankheiten durch hochpathogene Erreger (STAKOB)) at the Robert Koch-Institute (RKI) was strengthened throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. DISCUSSION: Adequate preparation for the admission of patients with HCID is challenging. We show that joint regular trainings of doctors and nurses are appreciated and that training sessions may improve perceived skills. We also show that real-life scenario exercises may reveal additional deficits, which cannot be easily disclosed in training sessions. Although the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic interfered with our activities the enhanced cooperation among German HLIU during the pandemic ensured constant readiness for the admission of HCID patients to our or to collaborating HLIU. This is a single centre's experience, which may not be generalized to other centres. However, we believe that our work may address aspects that should be considered when preparing a unit for the admission of patients with HCID. These may then be adapted to the local situations.

Developing a Statewide Research Compendium: Key Points and Steps for Success.

Engaging clinical nurses in nursing research requires value for the nurses and a structured process. One way to involve nurses in research is through development of a research compendium. A professional development specialist can lead the creation of a research compendium. Identifying key stakeholders, developing a technologic infrastructure, piloting the compendium, gaining feedback, and identifying outcomes that will be evaluated are key. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(3):106-108.].

2020: The Year in Review.

When we look back on 2020, it is hard not to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected everything from nursing practice to world politics. Along with those challenges, there has been tremendous opportunity for nursing professional development change and growth. 2020 brought several key issues into play related to nursing continuing professional development. This article highlights many of these important issues. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2020;51(12):537-540.].

School Nurse Perceptions of Continuing Education: Identifying the Process of Engagement.

BACKGROUND: School nurses serve a critical role in academic settings, but evidence indicates that nurses may need help transitioning their generalist nursing training to the school environment (Camp). Continuing education (CE) can be an effective way for school nurses to develop the specialty skills needed for this practice environment (Gormley; Quinn & Smolinski), but a better understanding of how nurses engage in CE is needed to guide course development. The goal of this study is to describe how South Carolina school nurses engage with CE to guide future CE development efforts. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive design was used to describe engagement in CE for 24 participating South Carolina school nurses. RESULTS: School nurses experienced CE as a process that included deciding to attend, experiencing the course, and implementing practice change. Subthemes relevant to these steps also emerged. CONCLUSION: For school nurses, CE is a process and is not perceived as a one-time event. Design recommendations and strategies are presented. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(1):35-41.].

Reading a Q Methodology Research Article.

Health care studies that use Q methodology have increased dramatically in recent years, but most nurses have not learned about this mixed methods approach in their research classes. This teaching column will help readers understand some of the unique terms and characteristics of Q methodology. Understanding this method can help nurses performing evidence-based practice and education. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2022;53(1):10-12.].

Unexpected Learning Opportunities for Nursing Students.

ABSTRACT: Restrictions on groups and public gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic have limited in-person learning experiences for nursing students. But the crisis has also led to unanticipated opportunities. In this article, we describe how participation in vaccination clinics at our university offered students occasions for experiential learning that aren't normally part of nursing education. Volunteering at these clinics allowed our students to practice important skills while participating in efforts to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

2021: The Year in Review.

This year was a challenge in so many ways! Yet, it offered nursing professional development practitioners opportunities to think creatively and collaboratively while implementing new and better ways of delivering education and professional development. This column looks at some of the more notable events of 2021 and how they impacted education and professional development. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(12):545-548.].

Perceptions of Live Streaming Compared With an In-Person Nursing Conference: A Quality Improvement Project.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand registered nurses' (RNs') perceptions of attending a live streaming versus in-person continuing education event. BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 global pandemic, in-person continuing education events for healthcare providers required conversion to digital platforms. Literature is sparse regarding healthcare providers' perceptions on attending a live streaming continuing education event. METHODS: Registered nurses completed a survey after a live streaming research conference from a large US healthcare system. Likert-scale survey items were analyzed using descriptive statistics and open-ended questions with content analysis and thematic coding. RESULTS: A total of 219 RNs participated. The RNs reported an overall positive experience with the live streaming event and indicated a preference for this platform for the future. Three benefits emerged: savings, self-care and safety, and user-friendly. Perceived drawbacks were coded with 3 themes: technical issues, impaired focus, and social/networking challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Despite challenges, live streaming conferences may be satisfying and preferable for nurses.