As the nurse educator in the Pediatric Emergency Department, I developed various methods to help facilitate learning for both new hire nurses and seasoned nurses. As a part of the monthly unit-based nursing competencies that I developed, I put together a Triage Jeopardy game. This game facilitated learning through competition by nurses with various experience levels competing to win candy and prizes. It reflected ENA’s Standard of Triage and enhanced communication between nursing staff regarding triage decision making.
Once a week I met with the nurses who were currently going through the orientation process. We discussed the opportunities of orientation, any issues regarding learning or experiences, and an outlined topic of learning for that day. Different modalities are used to enhance communication, promote learning and encourage participation. Hands-on skill based competencies are practiced in a safe environment and the new nurses have a chance to ask questions and get to practice using specialized equipment. Each week our nurses in orientation turn in an evaluation sheet that both they and their designated preceptor complete. The sheets filled out by their preceptor give them a ranking on a color scale from red (needs improvement) to green (excelling in that area), that are focused on the core values of our nursing staff such as Professionalism and Skills. These sheets also evaluate the orienting nurses learning opportunities and what strengths have been developed. The orienting nurse is also asked to assess their stress level for that week and any opportunities they wish to see or do more. As the nurse educator I used these evaluation sheets to tailor my weekly educational meetings with the nurse orientee and try to focus on more opportunities to enhance their orientation experience.
The unit based competency program that I developed is an example of curriculum design. Each competency being developed reflects the hospital policy regarding that topic, any best practice teaching outlined in the Nursing Reference Center, and any unit-based requirements as outlined by our specific unit needs and practices. Each competency is composed of a HealthStream assignment, which is then evaluated by a HealthStream test or a live skills check-off. Each month every PED nurse, except those in orientation, are required to complete the competency for that month. Development of our unit-based monthly competencies has allowed me to engage in scholarship in that I have used evidence-based teaching practices as a resource for each competency development. I have also become a PALS instructor and teach a variety of students from all aspects of healthcare in the UMMC Training Center. I have mentored our nursing staff that participate in the Transition program and helped them to developed learning projects and performance improvement initiatives.
As the nurse educator for the PED, my role as a unit leader was established by promoting the best practice and modeling a professional behavior. When the unit is busy, the nursing leaders will drop their current tasks and pitch in to help with patient care. I have come in to work on my days off to staff the unit when it is short-staffed. I have spent a designated amount of time each week to staff on the unit. I have come in early mornings to complete competency check-offs to accommodate night shift nursing staff. Also, as a unit leader I have been an advocate for many initiatives of change, promoting the process change as a positive reinforcement for staff. I have demonstrated my commitment to life-long learning as a nurse educator by going back to school to earn my Master of Nursing in the Nurse Educator track. I have participated in many committees and councils in Batson and UMMC in order to continuously develop as a professional nurse educator.
During my time as a nurse educator I have built professional relationships with other nurse educators, nurse managers, nursing leadership, and physician leadership. I have participated in community service with other nursing leadership to promote healthy habits and practices to the surrounding community through various outreach events. I have participated, and I am a current member in the Mississippi branch of Emergency Nursing Association which advocates for emergency nursing on both a state and national level.