800 Incorporating Medical Simulation into Nursing Burn Competencies: Adding a New Degree of Realism to the Nursing Burn Competency Experience

Abstract

Introduction Many factors are incorporated into designing medical simulation curriculum. If the action or procedure falls into a low volume / high acuity category there is typically a focus on simulating the action or procedure in the lab with those who are responsible for performing it. The main objective is to increase knowledge and skill as well as self-efficacy (confidence) in a controlled simulation environment in order to decrease provider anxiety and medical error. Medical simulation can be moved “into the field” or in-situ to replicate the actual environment. This simple action builds muscle memory as well as increases provider awareness of tools at their disposal in their own working environments. We examined the burn competency feedback and discovered a consistent request for a more hands-on approach. Some reviews stated that nurses felt that the competencies were not relevant to their duties and tasks. Taking all of this into consideration we decided that this year the competencies will follow a single patient through every step from arrival to discharge, incorporating hands on medical simulation and realistic moulage. The goal of this implementation of medical simulation into burn nurse competencies is to provide a more direct, hands-on, learning experience where nursing staff could follow a patient from arrival to discharge. Methods Our objective was to provide an effective and engaging competency curriculum while maintaining adherence to the ABA Burn Nursing Competency Domains. The main stations that were identified, ED, OR, ICU, Floor Level Care, and Discharge/Follow Up Care. We then created a pediatric track, and an adult track following the main station identification. Learners will follow the selected case, determined by the clinical background of the group, from EMS report to discharge planning. Each station will incorporate ABA Burn Nurse Competency Domain objectives. These objectives include, but are not limited to, dosing of analgesia, airway management, wound management, and providing ongoing resources for the simulated patient. Results The program will begin on Oct. 2nd 2019 with sessions through October and November of 2019. Data will be collected from a pre and post survey to ascertain if incorporating simulation into the burn nurse competency curriculum is an effective tool to increase knowledge, skill, and confidence of the burn team RN. Conclusions Upon conclusion of this years burn nurse competencies, we aim to establish a working model to incorporate relevant simulations to all future competencies in order to complete all ABA domain objectives within a three year cycle. Applicability of Research to Practice The program, if proven effective, will provide a framework for future burn competency curriculum and could be utilized in multiple aspects of nursing competencies throughout the entire system and beyond.