Implementing a Weekly Debriefing Session for New Nurses in a Medical Ward

By BO Chui Yan, Bo, RN, Bsc (Nursing), Mnurs, Ward 21/F, Adult Medical Ward

Background

The turnover rate among new nurses is high in a medical ward. In 2016, there is 60% and in 2017, there is 85%. Retrospectively, there are many reasons for quitting the post among the new nurses. Other than high workload and stress working environment, the nurses expressed lack of support and positive feedbacks are also the contributing factor.

Though there are two debriefing session arranged for the new nurses in the Nurse Residency Program in Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital. New Nurses still felt there was lack of clinical support. Therefore, a weekly debriefing session is considered.

Purpose and Problem Statement

The purpose is to train new nurses to get them familiar with their new work environment in order to increase adaptability and satisfaction after receiving positive feedback.

PICO: Does the implementation of weekly debriefing session increase satisfaction for new nurses in an adult medical ward?

Implementation Plan

Total of 6 new nurses were invited to join the program. Questionnaires were as a tool to collect the baseline. Weekly debriefing session was arranged between mentors and mentees to clearly identify expectations and learning gaps, discuss and evaluate the goals and the issues or concerns raised in the week and provide learning strategies by the mentor. Through mutual communication and effective feedback, mentor and mentee can tackle problems encountered, develop solutions together and identify strength and improve weakness.

Results

With the implementation of weekly debriefing session, mentor and mentee have better communication. Mentees have more learning opportunities, mentors have enough time to clarify mentee’s problem and positive feedbacks were gained regularly.

Recommendations and Next Steps

Debriefing sessions serve as ventilation sessions for new nurses. It is valuable to continue to give support and feedbacks to nurses regularly.