Saving Competencies, One Tree at a Time

Abstract

<p>Per The Joint Commissions (TJC) standards, nursing competency validation is based upon completion of the competency based orientation (CBO) checklist. The Nursing Education team faced barriers in managing the paper CBO checklists that was assigned to newly hired staff as they complete their orientation. The educators, preceptors, employees and managers encountered challenges with completion of the paper CBO checklists. The team wanted to utilize a more advanced technology to streamline the process and maintain orientation checklists. The key stakeholders wanted an opportunity to customize checklist based on the various areas of care. Additional reasons for converting to an electronic method included: unable to find document in central location on unit; difficulty obtaining multiple required signatures to complete the sign off process; non efficient process for providing documentation during TJC site visit or accreditation surveys and multiple steps to data entry components of the competency validation process. Our organization researched potential electronic replacements for our paper system. An electronic learning system was selected and we began the process for implementation in our organization. The education team identified multiple challenges that impacted the implementation of the electronic learning system throughout our organization. Challenges included: budget constraints; time to review available programs for selection; time to learn the system; time to develop the curricula with key stakeholders and buy in from leadership. Strategies that we incorporated included: networking with other hospitals that had implemented a learning system; deadlines for group work and piloted on small group of new employees.</p>