Financial aspect:
by carrie
The evidence-based project (EBP) initiative that I am focusing on is developing and implementing a formal unit-based preceptor program. There are many aspects to consider when moving ahead with an evidence-based project (EBP) change, and one must ask how it will affect financial, quality, and clinical aspects.
Financial aspect: The financial aspect to consider for developing a formal unit-based preceptor program is the increased financial expenditures that organizations face with high nurse turnover rates. It costs organizations an estimated sixty-two to sixty-seven thousand dollars pre nurse leaving his or her job (Kovner et al., 2016). A unit-based preceptor program will directly impact the financial aspect because evidence shows that quality preceptorship increases nurse retention, thus decreasing the financial burden on the organization (Kovner et al., 2016).
Quality aspect: The quality aspect to consider for developing a formal unit-based preceptor program is the disruption to work patterns and inconsistency of care that is related to high nurse turnover rates. According to Kovner et al. (2016) increased turnover significantly affects the productivity, unit work patterns, and lowers job satisfaction which can result in decreased quality of patient care and outcomes. The unit-based preceptor program will directly affect the quality aspect of patient care in that when there is a decrease in turnover there will be an increased continuity of care and unit workflow patterns resulting in improved care and outcomes (T. Brock, personal communication, September 3, 2019).
Clinical aspect: The clinical element to consider for developing a formal unit-based preceptor program is how it enhances nursing skills for both the preceptor and the preceptee (T. Brock, personal communication, September 3, 2019). To precept students or new graduate nurses’ preceptors need to know the organization’s policies and nursing procedures which results in increased nursing and critical thinking skills (T. Brock, personal communication, September 3, 2019). A formal unit-based preceptor program will directly affect the clinical aspect in when precepting preceptees, questions often lead to a more in-depth review of literature to find answers and solutions.
Reference
Kovner, C. T., Djukic, M., Fatehi, F. K., Fletcher, J., Jun, J., Brewer, C., & Chacko, T.
(2016). Estimating and preventing hospital internal turnover of newly licensed nurses:
A panel survey. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 60, 251-262.