Innovative Pathways: Revolutionizing Competency Tracking through our Cutting-Edge App
Publication Title
ANPD Aspire Conference
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
4-2024
Keywords
renton; washington
Abstract
During this session we will unveil the journey of a hospital system that harnessed the power of existing technology to create a user-friendly app revolutionizing the way competency documents are accessed, tracked, and stored.
Competencies serve as validation of a nurse’s preparedness to practice within a healthcare. A standardized document was utilized, yet a consistent process for tracking or storage lacked. Through an analysis of requests from NPD’s, orientees, preceptors and managers, an imperative was identified for a standardized approach to competency management that removed the inefficiencies of paper-based tracking. Insights gathered led to the exploration of an electronic competency management system. Literature review and an examination of existing competency management systems were conducted. The unavailability of a desirable solution prompted an innovative approach: the development of an app leveraging existing software programs. Collaboration with NPD champions, new nurses and project management led to the creation and trial of an app that would prove to manage competency documents. To achieve widespread adoption, training initiatives included office hours, 1:1 consult, videos and a practice training site.
Utilization of the app Is increasing daily with targeted full adoption by the first quarter of 2024. The app's dashboard empowers real-time monitoring of progress and goal achievement. Competency documents are centralized within a singular electronic repository that is readily accessible to all who need access. A link within the app encourages the submission of suggestions and questions, a practice that facilitates consistent enhancements and removal of barriers. Anecdotally we have heard that the app has positively changed the way NPDs track competency and that the ability to access the electronic competency document helps them identify nurses who might need extra support.
Specialty/Research Institute
Health Information Technology
Specialty/Research Institute
Nursing
Specialty/Research Institute
Health Care Administration
Comments
References:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/AcademicNursing/pdf/Essentials-2021.pdf
Bethel, C. (2022) Envisioning a Technology-Enhanced Competency Checklist. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development 38(6),347-349, https://doi.org/10.1097/NND.0000000000000785
Corrigan, C., Moran, K., Kesten, K., Conrad, D., Hussey, P., Manderscheid, A., & Pohl, E. (2022). Competency-Based Education and Enstrustable Professional Activities: An Electronic Clinical Tracking System Solution. Computers, Informatics, Nursing 40(7), 429-434. https://doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000000924
Coughlin, V (2023). Quick Response (QR) Code Electronic Competencies: Innovating Nursing Professional Practice Through Mobile Resources and Educational Technology Systems. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development 39(4), E62-E65, https://doi.org/10.1097/NND.0000000000000837
Knippa, S., Staubli, L., & Waterman, K. (2022). Paperless Precepting: Development of an Electronic Competency Assessment Tool. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 38(4), E43–E47. https://doi.org/10.1097/NND.0000000000000843
Contributors:
Michelle Scortzaru, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, is a Senior RN Program Manager for the Providence Nursing Institute Clinical Academy, Renton, Washington. She manages the 12-month RN residency and fellowship, preceptor, and mentorship programs.
Tracy Scoville, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, RNC-OB, is a Transition mentor for the Providence Nursing Institute Clinical Academy, Renton, Washington. She supports the RN residency and fellowship, preceptor, and mentorship programs.
Gavin Strong, Project Manager, Providence Nursing Institute Clinical Academy, Renton, Washington. He supports the operations of the Clinical Academy education programs.
Speakers:
Becky Weiderstrom, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, RNC-OB, C-EFM, is a Transition mentor for the Providence Nursing Institute Clinical Academy, Renton, Washington. She supports the RN residency and fellowship, preceptor, and mentorship programs.
Shelly Hicks Cain, EdD, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CNORe, is a Transition mentor for the Providence Nursing Institute Clinical Academy, Renton, Washington. She supports the RN residency and fellowship, preceptor, and mentorship programs.
Mitch Hartly MHA, RN, BSN is the Director of Continuing Education for the Providence Nursing Institute Clinical Academy, Renton, Washington. He supports the operations of the Clinical Academy education programs.