Increasing the Reach of the NPD Practitioner: Using a Specialized Team

Abstract

<p>Within most work environments, the NPD Practitioner feels they are unable to provide enough continuing education to existing staff.&nbsp; This is especially true in Emergency, ICU, Pediatric, and Trauma settings, where decisions must be rapid and often based on limited research.&lt;br /&gt; Since the NPD Practitioner is limited in the time they have to dedicate to the classroom, the best option is to create a specialized team to provide education.&lt;br /&gt; The Specialized Team consists of bedside staff who are interested in optimal patient care, positive outcomes, and evidence based practice.&nbsp; The NPD Practitioner and a member of leadership should help provide team focus.&nbsp; The team is an advanced opportunity for staff growth.&nbsp; Once the team is established, new members will apply to the team and be interviewed by existing team members.&nbsp; This ensures that team membership is seen as a goal for newer staff to work toward. &lt;br /&gt; The team can be trained by the NPD Practitioner on existing training material and also be encouraged to create new material as EBP and patient needs change.&nbsp; For example, in an Emergency Room Environment the Specialized Team can oversee training for the Trauma Bays.&nbsp; In an ICU they can run mock codes and review bedside OR procedures.&nbsp; &lt;br /&gt; This Specialized Team allows the NPD Practitioner to provide additional training that we usually don't have the bandwidth to provide.&nbsp; It allows the NPD Practitioner to be involved in the current educational needs of staff.&nbsp; Lastly, it allows bedside staff to feel engaged in the care they provide, the unit they work in, and the new staff they help orient.&nbsp; This should all have positive outcomes on retention, staff satisfaction, and patient outcomes.</p>