Implementation and outcomes of an evidence-based precepting program for burn nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Burn Care Nursing

Background:

• High turnover and dissatisfaction among nurses in burn care units were linked to a lack of structured transition programs.
• Employee evaluations highlighted the need for enhanced didactic instruction, hands-on training, and preceptor support for nurses transitioning into burn specialty practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement an evidence-based transition to practice program specifically designed for nurses in a burn specialty setting.
• To address identified deficits in training and support, aiming to improve nurse retention and job satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• The Iowa Model of Evidence-based Practice guided the project, involving a multidisciplinary working group.
• A systematic literature review informed the creation of a comprehensive transition program, including preceptor development, competency assessment, and retention strategies, utilizing the Vermont Nurses in Partnership (VNIP) Clinical Transition Framework.
• Objective metrics, including basic knowledge assessment (BKAT) and burn wound care (WC) scores, alongside high-fidelity simulations, were used for evaluation.

Main Results:

• 110 Burn Center staff, including 30 new nurses, participated in the transition program. Of these, 87% completed the program.
• Transitioning nurses demonstrated significant improvement, with 76% passing BKAT and 93% passing WC scores.
• Competency progression showed a statistically significant increase, with average weekly ratings improving from 5±2 to 9±1 (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

• An evidence-based, team-centered approach to preceptorship resulted in a standardized, adaptable program for transitioning nurses into specialty burn care.
• The program's use of objective metrics allowed for continuous assessment, individualized training, and cost-effectiveness.
• Implementing this standardized transition program across the organization has the potential to enhance consistency in specialty practice transitions.