Transformative Training: A Pathway Program for the Critical Care and Emergency Department Novice Nurse

Background Working in a critical care and or emergency department is very challenging and stressful. Critical care and emergency departments have the highest acuity, are fast paced, and utilize complex technologies. Novice nurses experience a lack of confidence and increased anxiety being faced with the care of a patient in this demanding setting. Since Covid we are experiencing; a nursing shortage, high turnover, expedited nursing programs with minimal clinical experience. Due to the need for nurses, novice nurses are being hired directly into the critical care settings. High stress and low confidence can affect the novice nurse's ability to provide optimal care (Kimet al.). According to Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, experiential learning encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. Learning develops from concrete experience, reflective observation, active experimentation and abstract conceptualization. For the novice RNs to be successful in their new role; a Critical Care & Emergency nurse pathway was developed by the Nursing Professional Development team. This pathway program offered both didactic and hands-on skills. Classes were held once a month for 3 months and offered various critical care skills. The skills were held outside of the clinical setting in a non-judgmental, no pressure environment allowing nurses time to review and reflect, thus promoting experiential learning.