Rural Emergency Nursing - Reaching the masses
Tracks
Concurrent Stream 3
| Friday, October 18, 2024 |
| 12:20 PM - 12:25 PM |
| Corinthian Room |
Overview
Jessica Keady
Speaker
Jessica Keady
Nurse Manager - Emergency Nursing Projects
Western NSW LHD
Rural Emergency Nursing - Reaching the masses
12:20 PM - 12:25 PMAbstract
Western NSW Local Health District comprises 33 rural Emergency Departments (EDs), all requiring the delivery and assessment of relevant education content. Previously, governance outlined the components, and each facility was responsible for ensuring staff completed the required components before transitioning to the in-charge and independent ED nursing roles. However, recent workforce changes necessitated a more strategic approach to education delivery to ensure staff could access the foundational education needed for safe practice.
The Emergency Nursing Education Framework (ENEF) is a two-stage online program that all ED nurses were required to complete over the last two years. Since its introduction, 382 nurses have enrolled in ENEF Stage 2, and 162 nurses have completed the framework.
Stage 1 is delivered using existing online modules and can be completed by any RN. Stage 2 includes non-invasive ventilation education, Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Triage Education. This approach has led to the development of a similar program for Enrolled Nurses working in the ED.
While the education framework itself provided benefits, the modification of ALS education delivery produced the greatest results in terms of accessibility. Traditionally, workshops were held with a single facilitator at one site. A two-pronged initiative increased access to ALS workshops and assessments. First, a hub-and-spoke model for workshops was trialed, resulting in a 67% increase in workshop participants and a significant decrease in expired ALS RNs across the rural sectors. Second, virtual ALS assessments, offered by a few private providers, were piloted. However, this approach was unsuccessful, with only one RN enrolling for a virtual assessment; others preferred in-person assessments.
The Emergency Nursing Education Framework fosters transparency across the district, enabling consistent planning in the delivery of core components such as ALS and Triage. The lessons learned are transferable and adaptable across local health districts and states.
The Emergency Nursing Education Framework (ENEF) is a two-stage online program that all ED nurses were required to complete over the last two years. Since its introduction, 382 nurses have enrolled in ENEF Stage 2, and 162 nurses have completed the framework.
Stage 1 is delivered using existing online modules and can be completed by any RN. Stage 2 includes non-invasive ventilation education, Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Triage Education. This approach has led to the development of a similar program for Enrolled Nurses working in the ED.
While the education framework itself provided benefits, the modification of ALS education delivery produced the greatest results in terms of accessibility. Traditionally, workshops were held with a single facilitator at one site. A two-pronged initiative increased access to ALS workshops and assessments. First, a hub-and-spoke model for workshops was trialed, resulting in a 67% increase in workshop participants and a significant decrease in expired ALS RNs across the rural sectors. Second, virtual ALS assessments, offered by a few private providers, were piloted. However, this approach was unsuccessful, with only one RN enrolling for a virtual assessment; others preferred in-person assessments.
The Emergency Nursing Education Framework fosters transparency across the district, enabling consistent planning in the delivery of core components such as ALS and Triage. The lessons learned are transferable and adaptable across local health districts and states.
Biography
Jessica is the Nurse Manager of Emergency Nursing Projects in Western NSW LHD covering 36 Emergency Departments.
With a constant patient safety focus, Jessica enjoys the challenge of trialing new, innovative models of care as well as championing the enhancement of the regional and rural emergency nursing workforce.
