Authors (including presenting author) :
CHAN WC(1), LAU MK(1), CHOW CMN(1), NG LK(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Surgery, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals, HA
Introduction :
In-charge nurses are frontline leaders who can strongly affect patient care through managing operational processes and leading the team to provide safe nursing care. Formerly, nurses may transit into the role as teaches by precept and example. Also, without a unified training program, experiences may vary among different clinical mentors. Research found that formal orientation program and ongoing mentoring support are crucial in order to promote in-charge nurses’ development. Therefore, this program aims to develop formal training for nurses get prepare and successfully function as in-charge nurses.
Objectives :
1. To develop a unified and formal training program in order to train clinical nurses as unit leaders and able to undertake in-charge nurse role smoothly.
2. To identify key leadership qualities and formulate in-charge nurse role’s job descriptions in order to improve nurses’ experience within the charge nurse role.
Methodology :
1. Set up a task-force workgroup for this program including ward manager and nurse in-charge in ward.
2. Review literatures to identify strategies.
3. Design and conduct staff surveys on their perceptions and experiences.
4. Develop a unified training program through a) Formulate in-charge nurse roles and job descriptions among different shifts. b) Identify important areas that in-charge nurse must be familiar with and create a handbook for training reference.
5. Registered nurses with over 3 years’ experience and hold the specialty nurse qualification will be recruited
6. The program last for 6 weeks. The first two weeks is one on one coaching and the remaining four weeks the trainee acts as in-charge under supervision.
7. Interim incidence and performance review.
8. Collect feedback and evaluation.
Result & Outcome :
16 nurses were surveyed for this program. All of them agreed that there was no structural in-charge training program previously, which is evidently necessary and important for in-charge nurses’ development. Only 56% of nurses were confident to be an in-charge nurse. 40% of nurses considered being familiar with clinical guidelines was important for In-charge nurse (Fig.2A). 6 key elements have been identified and should be included in training program (Fig.2B). An in-charge Training Handbook had been created in order to standardize and provide guidance on training areas with guidelines should be covered. A clear and detailed in-charge nurses’ job descriptions had been stated for reference also.
One registered nurse was trained and feedback received. Trainee appreciated that the training handbook was useful and provided him the direction on what to equip himself for being an in-charge nurse. However, a longer training time can have more chances to encounter difficult situations.
The unified in-charge nurse training program with handbook provided key references and information to nurses in taking up the in-charge role. It also enhances the effectiveness and standard of the training process. Therefore, the training program is worth to continue.
In addition, simulation training on rare and special situations can be added and extend to a longer training time so as to further enhance the development of a competent trustful in-charge nurse.
