The Pearls and Perils of Cross-Training: A Collaboration of Antepartum and Labor and Delivery Room Nurses

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Title: The Pearls and Perils of Cross-Training: A Collaboration of Antepartum and Labor and Delivery Room Nurses

Ryman Hall B4 (Gaylord Opryland)
Mary J. Manelski, BSN, RNC , Nursing, Christiana Care Health System, Bear, DE
Donna M. Norris-Grant, BSN, RNC , Nursing, Christiana Care Health System, Bear, DE
Shelli P. Wagner, BSN, RNC , 3A/4B Antenatal/Postpartum, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE

Discipline: Advanced Practice (AP), Childbearing (CB), Professional Issues (PI)

Learning Objectives:
  1. Describe three benefits of cross-training for antepartum and labor and delivery nurses.
  2. Identify two challenges encountered during cross-training.
  3. Recognize the needs of nurses participating in cross-training.
Submission Description:
Purpose for the program: A cross-training program was designed to increase the skill level of antepartum nurses in preparation for the increase acuity of patients on the unit.

Proposed change: To provide opportunities for antepartum nurses to acquire new skills and enhance skills, knowledge and abilities.

Implementation, outcomes and evaluation: Cross-training was implemented to increase the skill level of  nurses  in order to accommodate the higher acuity level of patients on an antepartum unit. Outcomes included acquisition of new skills and insights, increased morale and improved confidence within the staff.

Implications for nursing practice: Cross-training nurses developed new skills, confidence in patient care delivery and respect for each other.

Keywords: cross-training, morale, preceptor,staff development, novice nurse, antepartum

    Crosstraining has been used by healthcare facilities to support the fluctuating needs of hospital units. Staff with similar skills have been successfully cross trained with education and clinical support. A cross-training program was implemented in our health system to increase the skill level of the nurses on the antepartum unit. The program was to be a means of strengthening ties with labor and delivery (L and D), while at the same time giving the antepartum nurse an opportunity to experience the labor and delivery process. Linking these units with similar skills made cross-training easier because the nurses were already familiar with many of the protocols and devices. 

 The nurses from the antepartum unit were paired with nurses from L and D for several shifts. New staff nurses were oriented in L and D for several weeks. Experienced nurses had a shorten rotation to the L and D unit. The labor and delivery preceptors played an important professional and individual role towards achieving desired clinical outcomes. The nursing staff from L and D and the antepartum unit developed a bond of respect after spending time together. The antepartum nurses gained a surge of knowledge,confidence and professional growth during their cross-training.

    This poster presentation will display the benefits of crosstraining the antepartum and labor and delivery staff,and illustrate challanges encountered. Unexpected outcomes were the increase in unit morale, improvment in overall motivation and collaboration between the units. With  more skilled and flexible nursing staff, patients receive optimal care.  At the end of  cross-training, nurses from the antepartum unit were given a survey to evaluate their cross-training experience. Novice nurses learned  new skills, experienced antepartum nurses expanded their knowlege base  and  labor and delivery nurses had  the opportunity to take pride in their leadership capacity as preceptors. All participants involved in this cross-training program enriched their skills and strengthened the delivery of care in our  women's health units.

See more of: Innovative Program Poster Presentations
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