Using a clinical postconference to introduce baccalaureate nursing students to a quality framework

Novice nurses are expected to contribute to an organization's quality initiatives and strategic goals. Therefore, it is imperative for nursing students to learn how a quality framework is woven within an organization. A figure was created that introduced baccalaureate nursing students to key quality concepts linking regulations, the organization, the quality department, and quality improvement (QI) methods. One important goal was to provide a visual framework that could facilitate clinical postconference discussions regarding the interrelationship of these concepts. Fifty-three undergraduate nursing students participated in a pilot over three semesters. Student response was heavily influenced based on their levels of training, which allowed for programmatic revisions each semester. Evaluation yielded improved QI knowledge and attitudes among advanced students (those in a senior transition course ready to graduate); it also served as a useful method to begin meeting the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses' QI competency.