Hospitals' Nurse Training: Developing Critical Skills

Nurses require a combination of both hard and soft skills to excel in their profession. Hard skills are learned through training, education, or certification, while soft skills are habits or traits that enable nurses to work well with others. Universities such as the University of Mount Saint Vincent and the University of Phoenix offer programs that prepare students for a career in nursing by teaching them the necessary hard and soft skills. Additionally, hospitals provide nurses with opportunities to apply their nursing skills during clinicals and offer mentorship programs to further develop their expertise.

Teaching nurses to use health technology, such as electronic health records and telemedicine

Teaching nurses to use health technology is an important aspect of nursing education, as technology is constantly evolving and being integrated into healthcare. Nurses need to be able to use electronic health records (EHRs) and management systems to access and record patient information, such as laboratory test results, x-ray results, and health reports. They also need to be proficient in using communication systems for diagnostic, management, counselling, and educational purposes. This includes telemedicine and telecare systems, which are becoming increasingly important in healthcare, especially in rural areas.

To teach nurses to use electronic health records effectively, simulation and high-tech labs have been introduced into nursing education. This allows student nurses to become familiar with the technology and improve their critical thinking skills and practice readiness. The use of EHRs in nursing education has been shown to positively impact student performance and adaptability, as well as patient safety.

In addition to EHRs, nurses also need to be proficient in using telemedicine technologies, such as remote patient monitoring, videoconferencing, and computer-mediated communications. These technologies require nurses to process large amounts of data and use clinical decision-making skills to respond appropriately to each patient's condition. Specific communication skills, such as active listening, facilitating conversation, questioning, redirecting, and verifying, are essential when using these technologies to discern cues within technological interactions.

To keep up with the constant changes in healthcare technology, nurses are encouraged to continue learning and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements. This may involve earning certifications in high-demand areas and seeking mentorship from more senior staff members who can provide guidance and insights into career development in the field of health technology.

Overall, teaching nurses to use health technology effectively is crucial to ensuring safe and quality patient care. By integrating technology into nursing education and providing opportunities for continuous learning, nurses can develop the skills and confidence needed to utilize electronic health records, telemedicine, and other emerging technologies in their daily practice.

Developing nurses' soft skills, including communication and collaboration

Developing soft skills in nursing is essential for nurses to enhance their creativity, resilience, and adaptability while fostering emotional and social intelligence. Soft skills allow nurses to collaborate with different types of people and provide guidance.

Communication is a vital soft skill for nurses. It is important for nurses to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and other medical professionals. Nurses should be able to convey treatment and recovery plans clearly and effectively to patients and their families. Sincere, kind, and confidential communication helps signal empathy to patients and their families, improving the quality of care. Active listening is also an important aspect of communication, helping nurses understand patients' needs and concerns.

Nurses can develop their communication skills by practicing active listening, asking open-ended questions, and rephrasing questions to obtain accurate information from patients. Role-playing and debriefing scenarios can also help nurses build their communication skills and confidence. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, procedures, and treatments can enhance their ability to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.

Collaboration and teamwork are crucial soft skills for nurses. Nurses often work as part of a medical team, and effective collaboration ensures comprehensive patient care. Nurses should be able to cooperate, communicate, and accept/provide constructive criticism to achieve positive patient outcomes. Nurse residency programs (NRPs) can help new graduate nurses (NGNs) develop collaboration and teamwork skills through simulated scenarios practiced with peers.

Conflict resolution is another important soft skill for nurses. It helps reduce frustration and facilitates finding solutions during workplace disagreements. Building confidence is key to successful conflict resolution and improving patient care. Strategies such as following a healthy diet and exercise schedule can help nurses increase confidence and reduce stress in the workplace.

Overall, developing soft skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution enables nurses to provide higher-quality patient care, improve professional relationships, and enhance their own job satisfaction and success.

Providing mentorship to help nurses develop their careers

Mentorship is a valuable way for hospitals to teach nurses special skills and help them develop their careers. Mentorship programs can be formal or informal, and they can be initiated by healthcare organisations or individual nurses seeking guidance. A mentor can be a senior staff member or an experienced nursing professional outside of the mentee's organisation.

Nurse mentorship programs can provide new nurses with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new work environment and culture. With the guidance of a seasoned professional, mentees can gain the confidence and tools to navigate challenges and develop new skills. Mentors can share their clinical knowledge and provide insights into the healthcare system, helping mentees shape their careers and become knowledgeable nurses.

Mentorship can also benefit mentors themselves by providing them with leadership opportunities and a platform to share their expertise. This exchange of knowledge creates a supportive community where both parties can learn from each other. Mentors can also gain insights into the challenges faced by new nurses, allowing them to provide feedback for improving clinical practices and organisational culture.

Through mentorship, mentees can receive academic advice, clinical care support, and emotional support to navigate the transition from school to practice. Mentors can offer constructive criticism, share learning experiences, and provide networking opportunities to enhance their mentee's professional development. Mentees can also gain valuable insights into different nursing specialties, helping them find their niche within the field.

Online platforms like TeachRN have emerged to facilitate mentorship services for nurses. These platforms offer a range of services, including essay critiques, mock interviews, and transcript audits, providing mentees with flexible options to access mentorship and achieve their career goals.

Training nurses in emergency care and basic life support

Classroom and Coursework Education

Nurses can develop their emergency care and basic life support skills through a combination of classroom instruction and practical training. Universities like Concordia University Texas offer ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) tracks that provide a blend of online coursework and high-tech lab simulations. This allows nursing students to gain a strong theoretical foundation and apply their knowledge in controlled settings before entering the clinical environment.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is a crucial component of emergency care training for nurses. BLS courses, offered by organizations like the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and others, train nurses to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies. These courses cover cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation with AED (automatic external defibrillator), and the management of obstructed airways (choking). BLS training equips nurses with the skills and confidence to handle in-hospital and prehospital emergencies effectively.

Hands-on Clinical Experience

Clinical rotations and internships offer nurses invaluable hands-on experience in emergency care settings. During these rotations, nurses work under the supervision of experienced professionals and apply their knowledge and skills in real-world emergency situations. They learn to assess and stabilize patients, coordinate with emergency medical teams, and make time-critical decisions. This practical training helps nurses develop the confidence and critical thinking skills necessary for emergency care.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

In addition to technical skills, nurses also require strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals during emergencies. Non-technical skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and clear communication, are essential for successful emergency response and resuscitation efforts. Nurses who can work cohesively as part of a multidisciplinary team contribute to more positive patient outcomes.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

The field of emergency medicine is constantly evolving, with new technologies, procedures, and treatments emerging. Therefore, nurses must commit to continuous learning to stay abreast of the latest advancements. This includes seeking mentorship opportunities, attending workshops and conferences, and engaging in ongoing professional development activities to enhance their emergency care capabilities.

By incorporating these strategies into their training regimens, hospitals can empower nurses with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to provide exceptional emergency care and basic life support.

Instructing nurses on patient safety and preventing medication errors

Patient Safety

• Nurse-to-patient ratios: Hospitals should determine adequate nurse staffing based on patient acuity, turnover, skill mix, and care settings. For example, in intensive care units, the ratio may be one or two patients per RN, while in acute medical-surgical units, it could be five patients per RN. Optimizing nurse-to-patient ratios can help improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality risk.
• Workload management: Nursing workload can impact patient safety. High workloads and fatigue can increase the likelihood of errors. Nurse leaders should advocate for flexible schedules, wellness programs, and adequate staffing to alleviate fatigue and improve patient safety.
• Open communication: Encouraging open dialogue and collaboration among nurses, physicians, and support staff helps improve patient care and safety. Clear communication during shift changes, including medication updates and treatment plans, is essential to prevent misunderstandings and errors.
• Safety protocols: Nurse leaders should embrace safety protocols and guidelines established by organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create a secure environment for patients and caregivers.
• Risk identification: Nurses should be attentive to potential risks and safety issues within their units. Encouraging incident reporting and fostering an open communication environment empowers nurses to take corrective actions and improve patient safety.

Preventing Medication Errors

• Clear instructions: Healthcare professionals should provide explicit instructions on medication doses, frequency, and administration. Avoiding vague terms like "take as directed" or using abbreviations can help prevent errors. Clear communication between clinicians, patients, and pharmacists is essential.
• Medication reconciliation: Performing accurate medication reconciliation, especially at discharge, can help reduce medication errors and adverse events. This involves verifying and documenting a patient's medication regimen to identify and resolve any discrepancies.
• Minimizing interruptions: Hospitals should optimize workflows to minimize interruptions during medication preparation and administration. Implementing "do not interrupt" interventions for nurses engaging in medication administration can reduce interruptions and lower the risk of procedural failures and clinical errors.
• Education and training: Nurses should keep up with the latest research and evidence-based practices to provide safer patient care. They should also educate patients and their families about medications, potential adverse effects, and precautions to empower them to make informed decisions.
• Barcode verification: Utilizing barcode verification for hospital inpatients can enhance medication safety and help identify gaps in the medication use process. This technology ensures the correct medication is administered to the right patient, improving patient safety.

Frequently asked questions