Lauren Seipel, DNP, RN, FNP-C

Abstract:

Background: Nurse practitioners (NP) entering the hematology specialty often lack the hematology-specific knowledge needed for practice. Deficiencies in hematology education are attributed to the minimal amount of hematology content included in NP programs and during job orientation. Knowledge deficits among NPs are associated with unpreparedness to practice and feelings of anxiety, insecurity, inadequacy and guilt. Objectives: To examine the impact of a hematology education module on hematology NP knowledge and self-efficacy to practice in the hematology specialty. Methods: A convenience sample of 11 hematology NPs was obtained from a tertiary care cancer hospital in Southern California. Participants were asked to complete an online learning module containing education about common hematological malignancies. A pretest/posttest design using knowledge and self-efficacy (SE) surveys was utilized for data collection. Knowledge and SE scores obtained before and after the learning module were then compared to assess for improvement. Results: Mean NP knowledge scores increased by 2.5 points (20.8%) after receiving the intervention. Statistical significance was established for NP knowledge (p= 0.025). Nurse practitioner self-efficacy after the intervention was essentially the same, with a mean pretest score of 32.6 points (out of 40) and a mean post-test score of 32.3 points. Participant feedback affirmed that the learning module was helpful, imparted new knowledge on the participants and that it would be helpful to incoming NPs during onboarding. Conclusion: A learning module emphasizing hematological malignancies was proven effective in increasing NP knowledge of hematology. Self-efficacy did not change as a result of the module. This project establishes the feasibility of using the module as a learning tool for incoming NPs to help improve hematology knowledge. 

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