Beginnings: An Educational Foundation for Perinatal Nurses
Title: Beginnings: An Educational Foundation for Perinatal Nurses
- Learner will be able to list 3 teaching methods utilizied in the Beginnings program.
- Learner will be able to assess classroom content and the value to their educational needs.
- Learner will be able to discuss a complete educational program as a factor in the retention of nurses.
With the 2006 opening of Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies (WPH), a large tertiary care hospital, an influx of graduate nurses was hired. To provide optimum patient care for this specialty population, it was identified that standardized education was needed.
Proposed change:
Information received from hospital administration, clinical managers and educators served as the basis for the new course “Beginnings” that began January, 2008. The format was developed to provide novice nurses with an all-inclusive women and newborn educational experience. Course presentations utilized the 2008 Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Newborn Nurses (AWHONN) Perinatal and Education Program (POEP).
Implementation, outcomes and evaluation:
The course began as a seven day class, and soon evolved into a two week comprehensive program. Format and presentations blended didactics with case studies, simulations, and clinical opportunities. Additionally, the focus on student guidance and support was emphasized. Requirements for successful course completion included daily assessments and a post-test with a minimum score of 84%. The Beginnings class was recognized as “core” specialty education regarding women and newborn care for novice nurses as well as all nurses entering all areas of women's services at WPH. Course evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. After the fact, it was noted that the retention rate for those that attended the Beginnings course from January 2008 through December 2011 was greater than 90%.
Implications for nursing practice:
Development of the Beginnings class continues to serve as the foundation of nursing knowledge for the graduate nurse by incorporating the Nursing Professional Practice Model and Magnet components which utilize evidence-based practice, provide standardization, and support nursing practice for optimum patient-first care.
Keywords: Beginnings, novice nurses, AWHONN Perinatal and Education Program, comprehensive program, women and newborn