Development of a unit resource manual for newly hired and casual nurses on J4D

Wright, Andrea C. (2021) Development of a unit resource manual for newly hired and casual nurses on J4D. Practicum Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background: In today’s healthcare setting, it is commonplace for nurses to be displaced to other units as a means to relieve nursing staffing shortages (Bitanya, 2020). Within the Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) at Eastern Health, the casual nurses float to a variety of sites within the program. Although the majority of policies are the same throughout the MHAP, various units have distinct ways of fulfilling daily routines and procedures. This is particularly true for J4D, which is the only provincial mental health unit for children and adolescents with mental health concerns. The orientation period for casual nurses working on the adolescent unit is minimal. They receive a total of two (12 hour) shifts. The low number of orientation shifts coupled with the loss of the nurse educator has created a disconnect between what casual nurses need to know in order to function effectively and what they actually receive during the orientation period. Purpose: The purpose of this practicum project was to develop a unit resource manual containing pertinent and unit specific information for casual and newly hired nurses that work on J4D. Methods: A literature review was conducted that identified several key learning needs for nurses new to mental health. Findings from the literature review revealed that nurses in a variety of specialty areas, including mental health, need a comprehensive orientation period. Consultations were conducted to determine explicitly what information and material must be included in the resource manual. Casual nurses working in the MHAP, senior nurses employed on J4D, the patient care facilitator and manager were consulted through the use of informal interviews. Results: A resource manual for J4D was developed and includes topics such as general unit functioning procedures, information on patients with eating disorders and their specific protocols, and unique practices specific to the unit. A crossword puzzle was created to review and check the casual nurses’ knowledge base following their use of the resource. Conclusion: The resource manual is designed to be used as a reference guide to familiarize casual nurses working within the MHAP with the day-to-day workings, routines and practices on the J4D unit. Having this resource manual available on the unit will provide casual nurses with a quick reference designed to ultimately improve their ability to function effectively on the unit and provide optimal patient care.

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