The Telemetry Nurse Course at King Faisal Specialist Hospital: Pioneering a Way to Bring Graduate Diploma Nurses into the Cardiac Care Setting Stephanie Stevens RN, BSN Clinical Instructor Cardiovascular Telemetry Unit Bushra Al Hunidi RN, CCN Dip Edu, MAP Cardiovascular Education Coordinator Nursing Development & Saudization King Faisal Heart Hospital & Research Center
Objectives Discuss the background & benefits of the course Discuss how candidates were selected Discuss the aim and the expected learning outcomes of the course Describe the course curriculum Explain the educators role within the course Discuss participants personal and professional growth To state the challenges and the achievements
Nursing Shortage
Saudization & Health Institutes Increase employment for Saudi nationals Hundreds of Health Institutes Private pay business enterprises Curriculums that didn t always meet tertiary care hospital requirements
Diploma Nurse Graduates 1423 (2002) 1424 (2003) 1425 (2004) 1426 (2005) 1427 (2006) Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Riyadh only 185 29 171 37 238 36 238 36 254 19 All of Saudi Arabia 445 168 532 818 660 233 660 233 462 211 Source: Health Statistic Year Book 1427H
A Not So Unique Problem Shortage of skilled cardiac nurses Telemetry units were using a cardiac primary care nurse for EKG monitoring of their patients 4 nurses/day (1 per 12 shift for each of 2 units) x 7 days = 28 nursing shifts each week for telemetry monitoring
with a Unique Solution Bring diploma graduate nurses into an acute care setting & train them as telemetry nurses
Benefits Huge pool of potential applicants Provide job opportunities & professional development for Saudi diploma nurses Allow the current primary cardiovascular nurse to go back to the bedside
Expected Outcomes Analyze & document ECG rhythm strips accurately Communicate with primary care nurses and physicians Trend analysis Recognize life threatening arrhythmias & implement appropriate action --Improve patient outcomes--
Selection Criteria Nursing diploma with above average GPA SCHS licensure English basic reading, writing, and speaking ability Interview by stakeholders Signed letter of commitment
Course Description 12 month program 1. Training & Development training 12 weeks 2. Nursing Development & Saudization theoretical & clinical education 12 weeks 3. Telemetry unit-based internship 6 months
Training & Development English (12 hours/week) 6 classroom 4 Global 2 speaking Computer & typing skills (6 hours/week) Medical terminology (3 hrs/week) Anatomy & physiology (4 hrs/week) Work Ethics (2 hrs/week) Pharmacology (1 hr/week) Reflective practice (1 hr at end of week)
Intensive English Assessment test Regular classes 6-8 hours per week Global English Self-directed English program on the internet Minimum of 2 hours per week Continued throughout 12 month program until Level 7 (approx TOEFL 400) completed
Nursing Development & Saudization Classroom (20 hours/week) Clinical (16 hours/week) English (8 hours/week) 6 classroom 2 Global
Classroom Components General nursing orientation Cardiac anatomy & physiology Basic arrhythmias Rhythm strip analysis Documentation Monitoring systems Basic life support/cpr Quizzes & exams Cardiovascular conditions & diseases Cardiac medications & treatment Reflective practice Case studies with presentation
Clinical Internship Telemetry units (CVT & A4) paired with telemetry preceptors Related cardiac areas Cardiac surgery (followed a patient pre-op through OR to CSICU) Cardiac cath & Electrophysiology labs
Educator Roles Education coordinator Course design & theory content Clinical instructors Classroom lectures Unit preceptors Clinical/hands-on
Course Completion First course (completed August 2008) Second course (completed November 2009)
Personal & Professional Achievements Team work Critical thinking Work ethics Precepting Additional educational opportunities (ACLS) Continuing exposure to primary care nursing & nursing care standards
Challenges for the Telemetry Nurse Becoming competent in an (advanced) skill Integrating into a new workplace in a new position Facilitating continued education while doing 12 hour rotational shifts Bridging to the bedside
Going Forward Promote continued development through bridging & BSN programs
References Osman, H. 2007. Telemetry Nurse Course Description. KFSHRC. KSA Miller-Rosser, K. 2009. Nursing in Saudi Arabia: Evolution or Revolution. Monash University. Australia Photos & clip art: CNN.com USA Weekend.com USA Today.com Corpmagazine.com Prometheusbooks.com Scfhs.org.sa Medxcentral.ning.com Clipartpal.com Clipart-for-free.com
Thank You!