Abstract
Session presented on: Monday, July 22, 2013:
Purpose: Expectations that nurses be competent have always been a part of professional codes and standards, licensing and accreditation requirements and, are a key component of the profession's social contract. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the preliminary results of our project exploring ways to assess and document professional nursing competencies to assure safe, quality nursing practice. The QSEN (Quality Safety Education in Nursing) competencies were used as a guiding framework.
Methods: Current staff nurse competencies were assessed using two strategies: 1) a written assessment and 2) an observed standardized patient clinical scenario. Both written assessment and observed clinical scenario were developed using QSEN and assessed core knowledge, ability to analyze and synthesize information and make an appropriate clinical judgment. The written assessment consisted of 50 questions developed using the QSEN competencies with a possible score of 0-50 and the scenario assessed 63 behaviors and attitudes with a possible score of 0-63.
Results: The mean on the written assessment (37 + 4) and the observed standardized clinical scenario (mean 39 + 3)) was surprisingly low. Further analyses of the subscales show the lowest scores in quality improvement/safety (mean=24.5 + 2) with the safe medication administration performance lower than the other areas. Nurses performed better in patient-centered care (mean= 37.5 + 2) and evidence based practice (mean=40+ 3).
Conclusion: Nurse competencies were below expected level particularly in areas that impact patient safety such as medication administration. The leadership team has identified the low performers and in collaboration with the advanced practice nurses developed an on-line learning module to increase critical thinking and clinical judgment in medication administration. Reassessment is currently in progress to ensure patient safety in medication administration. Individual nurse's results were analyzed and themes related to the nursing interventions are currently being initiated for higher-level competencies.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Education, Quality, Safety
Recommended Citation
Mearns, Stephanie; Fisher, Anastasia; and Orsi, Allen J., "Advancing the culture of competency to improve patient outcomes and drive patient safety" (2013). INRC (Congress). 168.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2013/presentations_2013/168
Conference Name
24th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Prague, Czech Republic
Conference Year
2013
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Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Advancing the culture of competency to improve patient outcomes and drive patient safety
Prague, Czech Republic
Session presented on: Monday, July 22, 2013:
Purpose: Expectations that nurses be competent have always been a part of professional codes and standards, licensing and accreditation requirements and, are a key component of the profession's social contract. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the preliminary results of our project exploring ways to assess and document professional nursing competencies to assure safe, quality nursing practice. The QSEN (Quality Safety Education in Nursing) competencies were used as a guiding framework.
Methods: Current staff nurse competencies were assessed using two strategies: 1) a written assessment and 2) an observed standardized patient clinical scenario. Both written assessment and observed clinical scenario were developed using QSEN and assessed core knowledge, ability to analyze and synthesize information and make an appropriate clinical judgment. The written assessment consisted of 50 questions developed using the QSEN competencies with a possible score of 0-50 and the scenario assessed 63 behaviors and attitudes with a possible score of 0-63.
Results: The mean on the written assessment (37 + 4) and the observed standardized clinical scenario (mean 39 + 3)) was surprisingly low. Further analyses of the subscales show the lowest scores in quality improvement/safety (mean=24.5 + 2) with the safe medication administration performance lower than the other areas. Nurses performed better in patient-centered care (mean= 37.5 + 2) and evidence based practice (mean=40+ 3).
Conclusion: Nurse competencies were below expected level particularly in areas that impact patient safety such as medication administration. The leadership team has identified the low performers and in collaboration with the advanced practice nurses developed an on-line learning module to increase critical thinking and clinical judgment in medication administration. Reassessment is currently in progress to ensure patient safety in medication administration. Individual nurse's results were analyzed and themes related to the nursing interventions are currently being initiated for higher-level competencies.