Title: Preferred Educational Methods of RN’s With More Than Ten Years of Inactive Patient Care
Author: Annette Cannon, PhD, MA, RN, MSN
Abstract
Project Title: Preferred Educational Methods of RN’s With More Than Ten Years of Inactive Patient Care
Project Director: Annette Cannon, PhD, MA, RN, MSN, (current) Online RN Refresher Program Instructor for Cannon Health Care Consulting and Education, LLC (previous) Online Program Instructor for University Center at Chapparall / Arapahoe Community College
Project Director’s Affiliation: (current) Cannon Health Care Consulting, LLC (previous) Grand Canyon University
The Colorado State Board of Nursing rules and regulations provide a policy that states that “if you do not have an active license in another state and all of your licenses have been expired two (2) years or more, you must demonstrate competency to practice by successfully completing refresher courses as defined in Nursing - Board Rule 5.6” (CSBON, 2015). According to this policy, the competency is derived from completing an RN refresher program. The objective of this paper is to further define competency through testing RN’s with inactive patient care of more than 10 years, who are enrolled in the online program that contains a hands-on skills lab compared to those who are enrolled in the online program only. This proposal, through solution and problem description, implementation, evaluation and monitoring, will present three levels of testing. These exams are given to gain baseline knowledge from students, knowledge after the online learning portion is finished and knowledge after the skills lab and online are finished. A comparison study of sample students will be reviewed as part of the decision-making. The results of the study and its outcomes will be shared with other educational institutions and state boards of nursing throughout the United States. The desired outcomes are to develop guidelines within Colleges and Universities for admission to the RN refresher program and to implement this evidence-based proposal as a nursing policy within the Colorado State Board of Nursing.
Section A: Problem Description
Currently the Colorado State Board of Nursing (CSBON) rules and regulations provide policy to address professional nurses who have an inactive or a lapsed license, resulting in a lack of patient care. The policy tackles the problem by adoption of continued competency requirements. The policy states the following broad requirement: “if you do not have an active license in another state and all of your licenses have been expired two (2) years or more, you must demonstrate competency to practice by successfully completing refresher courses as defined in Nursing - Board Rule 5.6” (CSBON, 2015). The purpose of this policy is to give nurses a method in which to either reactivate the license or become reinstated. For those nurses who are from another state, endorsement procedures are also explained.
The continued competency requirements are derived from completing an RN refresher program. In the state of Colorado, the Registered Nurse (RN) refresher program is currently offered as two choices. One program offers a non-traditional 120 hour online course with 120 hours of clinical practicum and the other program also offers a non-traditional 120 hour online course with 120 hours of clinical practicum, but also includes a 48 hour hands-on skills lab. “Nurses who have been out of the work force for some time may lack the knowledge of what needs to be included in their program of study” (Davidhizar and Bartlett, 2006, pp185-190). However, the nurse is free to choose which program to take.
To describe the programs further, the online portion of the program contains 120 hours of medical-surgical material required by the CSBON. The program is divided into 5 modules of learning, review and testing and also contains a section on interactive professional development with review and testing. Students are expected to complete the course work within 16 weeks and then take a final exam. The online program is the exact same program for both schools.
Consistent with Current Evidence
According to O’Neil and Fisher (2008), “as more students choose to take online courses and programs, it is necessary to guide them to the learning environment in which they will be most successful (pp53-58). One of the online programs adds an additional hands-on skills lab which provides a student- centered approach to learning with various methods of instruction, such as adult and child mannequins, faculty led instruction and demonstration, role-play with other students, specific task development and video training in classroom. “It can be difficult in many of our self-directed learning formats to incorporate the use of multiple senses, which characterizes adult learners” (Trapp, 2005, pp73-76). Students are provided a near realistic patient care setting in which to develop their patient assessment skills, along with communication and critical thinking skills. According to Bednarz, Schim & Doorenbos (2010), recognizing the common adult learner need for immediate relevance suggests more hands-on, experiential, or immersive educational methods (pp253-260). This environment is a safe place where mistakes can be made and lessons can be learned.
The skills lab is 48 hours and is meshed into a six week time span that overlaps with the 16 week online. Both programs end at the same time period of 16 weeks. An additional week or two is added for study time and the final. After the final exam is passed, the Board of Nursing is notified and students move on to a clinical practicum. Each program requires 120 hours of clinical practicum, where the student attends a clinical setting, with a preceptor, for approximately ten 12 hour shifts, working as an RN with a refresher status license. Once completed successfully and all paperwork is properly submitted, the nurse can obtain an active license (if it was lapsed).
The problem presenting is that the RN refresher programs do not specify a maximum limit to the number of years of lapsed license or number of years of lacking in patient care that the nurse can have to attend. The lack of a maximum limit leads to several issues for the program. For example, an RN could have a lapsed license for 30 years and desire to take the non-traditional online course only, without a hands-on skills lab experience. This can present an issue with being successful, not only in the program with testing and skills, but in the return to nursing practice. The burden rests on the facility that hires the nurse to re-train in patient care and assure patient safety. White, et.al. (2003), states that a comprehensive report shows that “nurses returning to the profession after an absence from the clinical setting typically do not possess current knowledge and skills, making them a liability instead of an asset” (pp59-63). The online program that contains a hands-on skills lab, re-introduces the nurse to the clinical setting for competency, prior to attending the clinical practicum.
The PICO model: (P) Population: RN’s with inactive patient care of greater than 10 years, (I) Intervention: Attending an online learning and hands-on skills lab refresher program, (C) Comparison: Online learning only refresher program, (O) Outcome: Success in passing a final competency exam; is used to formulate the following question: Are RN's with inactive patient care of greater than ten years more successful in passing a final competency exam after attending an online learning and hands-on skills lab refresher program versus an online learning only refresher program.
It is important for nursing to resolve this issue because the present system allows for nurses that have not practiced nursing for 20 to 30 years to take a brief refresher class and obtain an active license again. However, Yancy and Handley (2004) found that the “number of years of inactive practice was negligible in its affect on the refreshed nurses’ successful return to practice, but also found that individualized orientation programs assist with the transition of the refreshed nurse back into nursing” (Hammer and Craig, 2008, pp358-367). This issue can present a patient safety issue and competency issue when the nurse attends the clinical practicum if not addressed. Another issue is the present system places a burden on the school and instructor to decide who should and should not be able to obtain an active license based on current information.
This topic is open to a research-based intervention according to the Board of Nursing. Presently, the Board does not have guidelines or regulations that determine the type of refresher program needed as related to number of years with an inactive license. Therefore, the implementation of such would need to occur within the nurse refresher program itself. Mancuso-Murphy (2007) sites research from Mueller, 2001; Robley, et al., 2004, showing the “necessity to determine which teaching and learning practices produce the best results” (Mancuso-Murphy, 2007, pp252-260). The purpose of resolving this problem is to implement guidelines and requirements within the RN refresher program and to provide guidance to nurses in choosing the correct RN refresher program. Bernardo (2011) mentions the importance of attending a refresher program with a “skills lab to practice nursing skills, including patient assessment common procedures and a simulation lab to practice critical thinking skills related to assessments, interventions and evaluations”. The objectives in addressing this problem are: to determine effectiveness or ineffectiveness of a hands-on skills lab, to develop requirements to address number of years of license inactivity, and to develop guidelines for program admission.
Section B: Problem Solution
The proposed solution to this issue is to develop guidelines within a nurse refresher program that addresses the learning needs of the inactive nurse based on the number of years their license has been on inactive status. “Research found that nurses required a good orientation and a preceptor or mentor to teach the refreshed nurse exactly what to do on the job. The refresher course was just the beginning of what the nurse had to learn” (Hammer and Craig, 2008, pp358-367). Both programs, the online only and the online with skills lab, have been very successful in reestablishing nurses’ licenses. The instructional format between the groups has been successful. The same online format and information is used in both programs. “Distance education is included in almost every educational development course around the country, sometimes making them the rule rather than the exception” (White, et al., 2003, pp59-63). The online is currently available to all RN’s to take for license activation no matter how many years of license inactivity are present.
Consistent with resources and the organization
The proposed solution is consistent with the community culture. The country is experiencing a nursing shortage. RN’s returning to the workforce is one way to help resolve it. “A refresher course serves to assist the inactive nurse to return to the nursing profession, as without it nurses typically do not possess enough current knowledge and skills which makes them a liability instead of an asset” (White, et al., 2003, pp59-63). Research has found that due to technological advances, nurses need to be taught the basics all over again, including basic computer skills and electronic medical records. Hospital programs that have developed retraining programs have learned from the students that they are not prepared to re-enter the hospital without certain skills, and have learned there is a disconnect between their past experience and current practice.
The basics included “universal precautions, electronic thermometers, noninvasive blood pressure machines, pulse oximetry and Dopplers, along with dosage calculations”, which are all technologically advanced items and procedures for a nurse who has been inactive for years (Bouwman and Kruithoff, 2004, pp164-169). The proposed solution, which is setting guidelines to address the learning needs of the inactive nurse and develop guidelines within the refresher course to address those needs, will also address the needs of the organization that employs the refreshed RN’s.
The following information in regard to population, intervention, comparison, instrument, and outcome will be used to develop the proposed solution. The population will be 120 RN’s located in the state of Colorado whose license has been at inactive status for ten years or more and enrolled in an RN refresher program to activate their license. The time frame is within one year and includes eight classes.
Intervention for the problem
The intervention consists of program A, which is a 120 hour online only based learning program, and program B, which is a 120 hour online based learning program with an additional 48 hours of hands-on training in a skills lab. The curriculum and content of the 120 hour online based learning is identical to each program and has been approved by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. The 120 hours of online learning includes video instruction with interactive professional development software. The content of the 48 hours of hands-on training contains use of mannequins and video instructions of specific skills. T he skills-lab has been designed by the instructor to touch on skills according to the outline of the online program and to introduce the student to a clinical setting and to provide interaction. To determine the criteria, questions and curriculum for the RN refresher program, evidence-based practice will be used.
For the comparison, two sample groups will be used in a randomized controlled experimental study. The sample groups will be determined by having the first nurse choose to take the online only program or the online with skills lab program. The next nurse will be asked to be in the opposite group. The nurses will continue to be alternated in the programs. Nurses will be informed of the project and determine if want to participate, with the ability to withdraw at any time. Demographic data will be used to identify participants.
The instrument will be a pre-refresher test given to all participants. The test will derive from the competency expectations put forth by the Colorado Board of Nursing and approved by the online curriculum developers. Mid way through the program at 60 hours, the participants will be given a mid-refresher test. At the end of both programs, a final-refresher test will be administered. Both groups of participants will be given the exact same questions. The tests will contain 100 multiple choice questions and will be proctored. The test scores will be compared between the groups to figure the difference. For the outcome, demographic data, such as the participants age, sex, years since graduation, years since last practiced, total years of practice prior to inactivity, level of nursing degree, ages of children at home, and other non-nursing work will be reviewed to see if there are variables that need to be considered.
Section C: Research Support
Research studies were reviewed through an inclusive search of databases via the internet and GCU online library. The following databases were searched: GCU journals @ OVID, All Journals @ OVID, Education Research Complete, and CINAHL. Foreign language articles were not reviewed. Studies range from the years 2008 – 2013 and included these keywords: nurse, refresher, adult learner, skills lab, return to work, competency, testing and online. This search located over 1,000 abstracts and publications. Post screening, 6 studies were found to be relevant for use in this project, focusing on (skills lab, competency scores, learning methods, and online courses) enrolled in an RN refresher program in the State of Colorado. Appendix A provides a summary of relevant findings. These studies included qualitative and quantitative studies, use of a Likert scale, non-probability, one exploratory study and theoretical framework. The criterion for inclusion was that the article was based on research from a clinical and educational perspective.
In the initial searches, studies were found relating to online nurse refresher programs, but offered no specific studies in regard to inclusion of a skills lab versus no skills lab within the program. Therefore parts of the study were significant in application to this study due to findings among participants in the study of what was lacking in their program or information concerning the importance of learning methods. Most all of the research articles addressed the nursing shortage and the need for nurses to return to the workforce by means of a nurse refresher course. Findings implicate a need to focus on “recommendations for future course implementation, including implementing a systematic evaluation of each participant’s knowledge base at the beginning of the course” (Griffiths and Czekanski, 2003, pp162-171). Other research indicates a need for students to have hand-on skills to accommodate their learning style or method.
Studies have been conducted on nurses due to the shortage and target those nurses who have been inactive in practice for 2 or more years. These studies included looking at multiple variables, such as age, family demands, length of time away from practice, previous experience, reasons for leaving the profession, and financial situations. “Several authors attest to refresher programs being effective for reentry to practice, but note that the focus must be on outcome competencies, with the research showing that the completers of that program preferred more time be spent on technical rather than intellectual competency” (Griffiths and Czekanski, 2003, pp162-171).
Summation of the research findings indicate that nurses enrolled in a nursing refresher course should have base knowledge tested, along with testing of preferred learning methods. According to the IOM report (2011), “nursing education must be fundamentally improved both before and after nurses receive their licenses.” The research revealed that refresher courses are valuable to nurses and organizations, input from nurses past experience and knowledge are important, nurses are enthusiastic to learn new skills, and nurses appreciate diverse learning strategies. However, further research revealed that nurses returning to the workforce through a nurse refresher course had many roadblocks such as lack of needed computer skills, lack of technological abilities, general anxiety, a lack of confidence in skills and other variables that prohibited learning. “Continued research is also needed to identify the best teaching and learning practices in distance education” (Mancuso-Murphy, 2007, pp252-260). A problem with current research is that it does not address the addition of a hands-on skills lab to an online program as being of a benefit in increasing competency scores. This study will look at the differences between competency scores in regard to an online nurse refresher program with a hands-on skills lab versus an online only nurse refresher program.
Section D: Implementation
University Center at Chaparral Corporate Learning Center (UCC/CLC) is an extension of the local college and is located in Parker, Colorado (now renamed ACC Parker Campus). UCC describes its mission as a “community-focused, collaborative partnership which prepares individuals and corporations for the future by providing continuing education and training today” (UCC, 2015). The RN refresher program was designed by UCC to provide an innovative educational experience to the RN who desires to activate their nursing license and return to the nursing profession. This RN population consists of nurses who have allowed their license to become inactive or lapsed for more than two years.}
There are presently two types of refresher programs offered, one is online learning only and the other is online with a hands-on skills lab. This proposed study would determine if those RN’s with inactive patient care of greater than 10 years, are more successful in passing a final competency exam after attending an online learning and hands-on skills lab refresher program versus an online learning only refresher program.
Methods
The implementation of this study will consists of four main steps. “These organized methods will follow a specific procedure to study the issues, therefore lending to the idea that the results will be more accurate and are not influenced by opinion or belief” (Potter, 1995, p265). First, the specific population will be identified. The selection will be 120 RN’s in the state of Colorado who have been inactive in patient care for greater than 10 years, and are returning to an RN refresher program with the intent of returning to the nursing workforce. The study will be conducted over one year time.
Second, the nurses will be divided into two sample groups, for comparison purposes. The sample groups will be determined by having the first nurse choose to take the online only program or the online with skills lab program. The next nurse will be asked to be in the opposite group. The nurses will continue to be alternated in the programs. Nurses will be informed of the project and determine if want to participate, with the ability to withdraw at any time.
Third, the demographic data of participants will be identified and posted as student plus their zip code, for example, Student 12345. If more than one student is in the same zip code, a letter of the alphabet will be added to the zip code, for example, Student 12345a. The variables will include age, sex, years since graduation, years since last practiced, total years of practice prior to inactivity, level of nursing degree, ages of children at home, and other non-nursing work that will be reviewed to see if there are other variables that need to be considered (see Appendix B and C for both sample groups).
Fourth, the instrument will be a pre-refresher test given to all participants at the beginning of the program, with the same test given mid-way through and then another test as the final. All participants will be given the exact same test questions of 100 multiple choice. The tests will include patient scenario-based questions. The tests will be developed and reviewed by the online instructor prior to admission. All tests will be paper and pencil, allowing the student 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. The instructor will record all grades and deliver to the administrative assistant. The administrative assistant will collect all data on enrolled students both prior to the class (i.e. zip codes) and maintain data according to test grades (see Appendix D and E). The information gathered will be placed into this table by the administrative assistant for viewing. Other appendices are: Appendix F - pre-test exam; Appendix G – mid-test exam; and Appendix H – final exam. A comparison of all grades will be conducted post final between the groups to determine an increase in scoring among groups. Other methods of data collection may be reviewed for use in future research.
Overall Plan
The plan is to develop a data collection plan whereas the data can be analyzed with accuracy. “The tasks of defining research variables and selecting or developing appropriate methods for collecting data are among the most challenging in the research process” (Polit and Beck, 2007, p4). The overall plan for implementing the proposed solution is to work with the University Center in identifying the students, administering the tests and collecting the data. The information will be shared with other refresher programs in the state of Colorado and the Colorado State Board of Nursing. The plan is to identify and develop guidelines and regulations in addressing the educational needs of RN’s who have been inactive in patient care for greater than 10 years, both at the education and Board of Nursing level. The plan is to also provide the RN refresher student with evidence-based research to be able to reach an appropriate decision based on educational need levels. The present curricula within the RN refresher program will also be reviewed and evaluated for needed changes.
Resources
Resources for conducting this project come from the University Center at this point in time. This includes administrative support, supplies and staff time. Administrative support is required to conduct the enrollment process and separate students into sample groups, per the study protocol. Administrative support will collect data regarding students’ demographic information. The questions may be added as part of the enrollment package. This will require printed forms and time for designing the form, collecting the form once completed and transfer of data. Financially speaking, this will involve the cost of printing. Staff costs are included in current expenditures and account for approximately 4 hours a week of time to conduct the study.
Two nursing staff members are needed to design the pre and mid exams. The current final exam will be used. The two other exams, pre and mid, can be derived from previously tested questions within the program. The time for developing the exams is approximately six hours. One staff member is required to administer and proctor the exam for one and one half hours for each sample group at three different times for a total of six administered testing times. The first pre-test can be given during orientation. The mid-test can be given prior to the skills lab beginning. The final is given after all online and skills lab work is completed successfully.
There is no cost involved for class space to administer the test, as this is figured in with program enrollment. The cost of printing the tests, along with envelopes for delivery needs to be accounted for. Other costs to be included are: nursing staff time for two employees, six hours total for test development; nursing staff time for one employee, eight and one half hours for test administration, along with three hours of prep time; and administrative time of six hours for mailing and data entry.
Monitoring
Each test will be scheduled at the same time for all students. All tests will be proctored and hand-delivered in a sealed envelope to administrative support. Tests will be graded by administrative support within 48 hours after the test has been delivered. The administrative support will notify the instructor of all grades and will apply the data to Appendix D and E.
Students will be given their test results by the online instructor. Other monitoring will be done in relation to the revisions and processes involved through use of the theoretical framework.
Theoretical Framework
Several theoretical models were reviewed for the development of the implementation plan. “Developing the framework is an important step in designing the study and providing structure for selecting the variables by showing the relationship to one another” (Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt, 2005, p254). Kitson’s framework was chosen for this study because of the emphasis placed on the organization. If research demonstrates that a change is needed, then this model will support the organizations role in research utilization.
The framework will assist the organization in successful transformation of strategic approaches to nursing students, development of guidelines and requirements, policy changes, decision-making abilities of nurses, change in curricula, overall organizational change and insight into further need for research on the topic. The model will support present and future changes, by promoting and supporting critical thinking among staff to reflectively identify and evaluate nursing refresher programs on all levels and to eventually put the ideas in motion. The continual collection of data or collection of evidence and placing it into context, will contribute to the research utilization.
Research utilization decisions are made through the components of the model working together to find balance and to implement the research findings. “In Kitson’s model, the context refers to the elements of the organization; facilitation refers to the way information is communicated; and successful implementation occurs when the evidence is strong, the context is receptive to change and there is proper facilitation of the change process” (Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt, 2005, p203). Evidence-based practice is based off of all three of these components working together to obtain change.
In applying the context portion of the model, the organizations systems will be need to be analyzed. The review will include the University’s relationship with the State Board of Nursing, the Area Health Education Center, and other academic institutions. The culture of the University and those employed by the university will be evaluated for acceptance towards use of evidence-based research. The examination and assessment of these elements are important steps in which to base the implementation on.
The facilitation portion of the model will assist in delivery of the research findings and in facilitating the change needed. Communication of the findings is a key component. “Communicating research findings involves the development and dissemination of a research report to the appropriate audiences, including nurses, health professionals, educational institutions, and policy makers, through presentations and publications” (Burns and Grove, 2004, p44). Transferring of the research information in an understandable, clear way and gaining support and commitment from users is critical to the implementation phase.
Successful implementation, the third component of Kitson’s model, can occur once the context and facilitation have occurred. Various strategies will be used to increase facilitation and evaluate context to make needed changes throughout the study. “Kitson’s model can be used much like the “situational analysis” (Cochrane Review Group on Effective Practice and Organization of Care, 1999) to assess potential barriers and facilitators within the elements of the evidence, context, and facilitation” (Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt, 2005, p204). The model requires continual re-examination of all elements to keep the process moving and working, especially towards future research needs.
Feasibility
The proposal is feasible in that the approach used can become a part of the RN refresher program and not be seen as a separately conducted task. The results will prove to be practical information to be used by those offering RN refresher programs within the state of Colorado. This includes independent companies, policy making entities, education centers, corporate learning centers, colleges and universities. The proposal will prove useful to RN’s who are enrolling in an RN refresher program, through use of evidence-based research to guide personal decision making.
Future Planning
Following a successful implementation, steps will be taken to analyze and evaluate the results and determine if further revision is needed to the current proposal or if to discontinue the proposal and concentrate on other needed research. Support for the proposal requires that those involved in the project remain committed. Encouragement and empowerment to other educators and clinicians will be important in gaining interest towards further research on RN refresher programs in the state. “The evolution of nursing will continue to provide the foundation for educational curricula and the research necessary for nurses to lead and manage both clinical and non-clinical environments of the future (Cherry and Jacob, 2005, p25). This requires a commitment to be made towards improvement in the RN refresher program, promoting safety in patient care among nurses, and providing for nurses educational needs.
Section E: Evaluation
The goal of this proposed project is to identify the preferred method of education for RN’s who have been away from practicing as a bedside nurse for over ten years. “Justifying the rationale for this study and the decisions made to conduct this study are key components” (Polit and Beck, 2007, p636). Once that information is identified, it will be shared with other refresher programs within the state and the Colorado Board of Nursing. In evaluating the obtained data, application will be made to review present rules and regulations, both within a program and at the board of nursing. Application of data will also be made to review present curricula within the refresher program and make the needed preferred changes.
Measurement of Objectives
The evaluation plan is comprehensive and concise in that it includes steps for identifying students, development of tests and data collection, staff to administer tests and collect data and forms of data collection. The outcome measures will provide a means to evaluate the objectives. The plan includes sharing of evidence-based research and findings with others and discusses possible changes to be made, along with further research. These methods of testing will be sufficient to measure the test scores of students (see Appendix D and E). The testing (Appendix F, G, H) will measure the students knowledge prior to the course, midway through the course and at the end of the course, providing scores for comparison. This scoring will be measured in percentages, showing the percentage of change from the pre-test to the post-test.
The identification of the RN refresher students who enroll into the program will be selected and then those who have more than 10 years of patient care inactivity will be chosen for the project. These nurses will be divided into two groups. For fairness, the selection will be alternating picks. All students will be asked to complete the demographic data sheet (Appendix B and C) and identified under zip code. Comparisons will be made of the demographic information and the test scores to see if there are further variables or any patterns present.
Support, Monitoring and Collection
“It is critical that adequate means to collect and manage data, along with analysis is in place” (Polit and Beck, 2007, p637). The University Center presently has the staff to gather this data through enrollment forms and process and has staff to administer the exams. Appendix B and C, demographic collection tools, are valid and reliable tools in that the information is collected directly from the students and checked for accuracy by the administrative assistant. The variables are sensitive to change and are appropriately used for this type of study. Appendix D and E are measurement tools to record actual scoring of tests taken by both samples of students. The form will collect scores for students, identified by zip code, on all three tests and provide a percentage rating of increase or decrease. These forms collect valid and reliable data from exams and are appropriate to use for this study.
Actual exams (Appendix F, G and H) will be tested for validity and reliability through national standards by nursing staff at the University Center and the Area Health Education Center. The exams are written to test the knowledge of the student prior to the course, midway through the course and at the end of the course. The exams are sensitive to change according to content of curricula in the future, but are presently appropriate for use in this study.
Evaluation of the monitoring process shows that other methods of data collection may be reviewed for use in future research. The present method of data collection is valid and reliable. However, it is sensitive to change through use of technology. The current method of data collection is appropriate for use with this study.
Resources
The University Center will provide all resources for conducting the project. It is to their advantage to learn of this information as to better their program and/or change requirements. In addition, another school may be interested in participating in this study or conducting their own side by side study. It is possible that the measurement tools for data collection and testing may be shared.
Feasibility
In evaluating the feasibility plan, it is found to be comprehensive and concise. The method for choosing the sample groups is sound and offers the enrollees the option of declining or withdrawing from the study. In the case of ending up with more students in one group than the other, participants will be asked if they would volunteer to change groups to even the number out. Use of the demographic information for data collection protects the confidentiality of the participants, by use of zip codes. Also, use of sealed envelopes with hand delivery of tests and test results, secures confidentiality further. The use of identical tests, on all three exams for both sample groups, insures fairness in testing. Finally the costs associated with this study are found to be minimal and within the program budget.
Dissemination
Dissemination of information will involve several major steps. Step one will be presenting the evidence-based research to the University Center staff and decision-makers. A presentation of the study, along with outcomes and plans for implementation can be delivered during a planning meeting through the use of PowerPoint. Strategies to secure buy-in and ongoing support from the decision-makers and policy-makers will be used to ensure the success of implementation. Updates of the project will be provided throughout each course.
Step two will be to make the policy change within the University programs according to the study outcomes. “Interest in effectively applying information and knowledge to improve policy and practice across a range of fields, has grown and evolved in recent years” (Chaskin and Rosenfeld, 2008, p3). These changes can be communicated through email to all staff involved. Students will be notified at enrollment time of changes.
Step three will be to continue to re-evaluate the program under the new policy. Other measures to be taken include informing the Colorado State Board of Nursing through formal communication with the Regulations Director and informing of changes within the program, either in person, through a formal letter or a formal presentation with PowerPoint. Outcomes will be also be shared with Board of Nursing Directors from other states, through email or formal communication and with other schools that provide a nurse refresher program, through email, formal communication or formal presentation of PowerPoint. Research shows that there is a “developing interest in adapting and applying the orientations, strategies and technologies of one sector to the needs of another, such as approaches to organizational learning” (Chaskin and Rosenfeld, 2008, p4). Dissemination will occur through formal presentations at meetings, such as for the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence, the Colorado Nurses Association and various other nursing groups and committees; and the continuance of program and policy evaluations through further evidence-based research. “Communicating the outcomes of research will continue to present a challenge, however, and ensuring that the key messages are in a form accessible to industry will mean using new and innovative strategies to get the word out” (Rauner and MacLean, 2009, p36). Therefore, consideration will be made to present through a Webinar session and through poster presentations at nursing conventions. Plans are to publish this information within the University’s publications and the State Board website for others to use and make changes to guidelines, regulations, requirements, policies and procedures. Conclusion
In conclusion, continued nursing research is a critical component to the survival of the nursing profession. The influence of research on nursing education and nursing practice is immense and will forever change the overall advancements of the nurse. Conducting studies will allow the use of evidence-based research to make the needed adjustments and changes necessary for the ongoing improvement of nursing. This study will address the preferred learning needs of nurses who are returning to nursing practice after being inactive more than ten years. By sharing these learning experiences with others, changes and improvements can be made to nursing education. By sharing the outcomes, the opportunity is set forth for further research and to eventually make a difference in the nursing profession as a whole.
Appendix A
Research Support Table
Author Purpose Sample Design Intervention Result Strengths and Limitations
Hawley, J. and Foley, B. (2004)
The study examines the effectiveness of a structured nurse refresher course to return nurses to employment and to prepare them for effective clinical practice.
This course was successful in returning respondents to nursing employment and in preparing these nurses in the six areas included in the course. This refresher course may serve as a model for the development of more structured refresher courses for inactive nurses. 78% (n = 37) of the 1990–2000 graduates of the Nursing Update registered nurse refresher course.
Mix of qualitative and quantitative
The survey tool was similar to the one used for the 5- and 10-year follow-up studies conducted with new questions added to examine the effectiveness of the course in preparing graduates to return to clinical practice. The surveys reflected the value of this course, with 92% (n = 33) of respondents rating it as “very valuable” in helping them to gain the confidence and competence needed to return to nursing practice.
S: surveys reflected the value of this course
L: low response rate and too many years between graduation and the survey. 10 years is a long time between course graduation and this survey.
In the future, the survey will be conducted every 5 years, which may increase the response rate.
Cundall, R., et.al. (2004).
The purpose is to offer a nurse refresher course curriculum and describe the process by which it was designed. Designed a nurse refresher course Curriculum framework; designed a nurse refresher program and enrolled 12 students.
The course covered a 5-week time-span of102 hours. Fifty-four hours were allocated to classroom theory, with 18 of the hours spent in simulated laboratories. The clinical portion of the course was allocated 48 hours during 2 weeks
S: The faculty shared their knowledge and expertise; Gained a valued finished product.
L: addition of more orientation time in the beginning of the course to help dissipate student anxiety.
Griffiths, M. and Czekanski, K (2003)
To focus on recommendations for future course implementation, including implementing a systematic evaluation of each participant's knowledge base at the beginning of the course and an extended course time frame to allow for greater integration of content.
To provide inactive nurses with a review and update of their nursing knowledge, to refine skills
A Likert scale measured levels of satisfaction with all program components;
Mixed Qualitative and Quantitative Study
15 participants evaluated over 1 year 15 participants were enrolled into the nurse refresher program Our course was designed to present all of the content, complete the requisite testing, and then move the returning nurse into the practice environment
S: course participants expressed enthusiasm for learning and appreciation for the diverse strategies
L: Perceptions and expectations of the learners, communication, evaluation forms, recruitment process was not conducted in a timely manner
Mancuso-Murphy, J. (2007)
Study provides an integrative review of the nursing literature to ascertain the student perspective of distance education To develop an instrument that measures students' perceptions to determine the best practices for Web-based nursing courses. Studies were qualitative research (79%, n = 11), using interview and survey techniques identified as descriptive design (36%, n = 4), phenomenological (27%, n = 3), individual and focus group interviews (18%, n = 2), naturalistic/constructivist (9%, n = 1), and qualitative description (9%, n = 1) research methods The study conducted three in-depth focus group interviews; Questions were developed from the responses and later used in focus groups. Data were analyzed using the criteria of naturalistic/constructivist inquiry. The nursing literature on distance education and professional socialization reveals positive outcomes; Shows that further study in a variety of areas is needed. S: convenience accessibility and flexibility
L: small samples (5, 15, and 15), self-report data collection methods, and the subjective nature of qualitative research; failed to indicate the kind of computer software and hardware programs used in their online course or program
O’neil, C. and Fisher, C. (2008)
Study on Nurse residency program for med-surg and critical care nurses. To describe characteristics that can serve as useful criteria for predicting student success in an online course. 19 students in the online course and 15 students in the traditional course using an exploratory study
Qualitative/Quantitative mix
Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software. The numeric grades on the midterm and final were compared using a t test for equality of means, and the numeric project grades were compared using the chi-square test of significance.
Studied the differences between traditional classroom and online learners. using five study variables. Although this study resulted in additional findings, not all findings were required to answer the initial question. The additional findings suggest areas for further study.
S: multiple factors were considered
L: no pre-course assessment of computer skills; due to self selection, random assignments to groups were not possible
Rochford, R. and Mangino, C. (2006)
The study examined the learning-styles of two distinct community college populations, education majors and remedial students. The purpose of this study was to ascertain if these two groups of students exhibited significantly different learning-style preferences that could have the potential to inhibit or enhance their performance.
176 from two different urban community colleges; Group 1: education majors; Group 2 remedial reading and writing student; a non-probability or convenience sample was employed
The PEPS was administered to identify each student's learning-style preferences among engineering, law, nursing, and allied health students; the ACT Compass Reading and the ACT Writing Sample Assessment exams were collected for this analysis. These associations suggest that the more visual a student is, the more likely he/she is to benefit from structured, persistent learning, background noise, the manipulation of objects, and/or movement during class.
S: Instrument established good reliability and predictive validity
L: multiple variables among students
Appendix B
Sample Group 1 – Variables
Factors Age Gender Years since graduated Years since practiced Years practiced prior to inactivity Level of Nursing Degree Ages of children at home Other non- nursing work
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Appendix C
Sample Group 2 - Variables
Factors Age Gender Years since graduated Years since practiced Years practiced prior to inactivity Level of Nursing Degree Ages of children at home Other non- nursing work
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Appendix D
Sample Group 1 – Test Scores
Test Scores by Percentage Pre-Test Mid-Test Final Exam Increase/Decrease
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Appendix E
Sample Group 2 - Test Scores
Test Scores Pre-Test Mid-Test Final Exam Increase/Decrease
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Student (zip code)
Appendix F
Pre-test Exam
The pre-exam will consist of 100 multiple choice questions. The multiple choices will be either a, b, c, or d. Questions will be standardized test questions taken from several resources and will cover the topic of medical-surgical nursing. The pre-exam assumes that the RN refresher students come to the program with prior subject knowledge. This exam will be given to all enrollees in both sample groups in the study.
Appendix G
Mid-test Exam
The mid-exam will consist of 100 multiple choice questions. The multiple choices will be either a, b, c, or d. Questions will be standardized test questions taken from several resources and will cover the topic of medical-surgical nursing. The mid-exam assumes that the RN refresher students have obtained certain nursing knowledge throughout the course and this material will be included in the testing. This exam will be given to all enrollees in both sample groups in the study.
Appendix H
Final Exam
The post-test or final exam will consist of 100 multiple choice questions. The multiple choices will be either a, b, c, or d. Questions will be standardized test questions taken from several resources and will cover the topic of medical-surgical nursing. The mid-exam assumes that the RN refresher students have obtained certain knowledge throughout the course and this material will be included in the testing, along with additional hands-on practical nursing questions (that may or may not have been learned by the skills-lab or some other means of nursing experience). This exam will be given to all enrollees in both sample groups in the study.
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