Abstract :
ISSUE: Staff education is a challenging and ever evolving project. Yearly education was done at a Education Fair with each area of nursing review at a separate table/booth. We wanted to present the Infection Control review in an attractive and unique format. Presenting the same facts in the same way each year becomes very ineffective.
Adult learning principles state that adults have acquired a body of experiences and knowledge and that new learning must be applicable to this base. They are practical, wanting knowledge to be relevant and useful. Our approach met these criteria.
PROJECT: A creative, colorful review was developed using familiar ‘NURSE’ry rhyme characters with infection control scenarios. Staff were strongly encouraged to visit the fair during hours when educators were available, but could also attend and learn on their own. Material was coded and answers available for quick feedback.
Each scenario ended with “What would you do?” Since the adult learner responds best to information that is practical for their everyday use, the scenarios were created to address relevant issues to our hospital environment.
Scenarios were developed for professional staff (RNʹs and LPNʹs) and also for the nursing assistants.
RESULTS: The ‘NURSE’ry Rhymes for Infection Control Review was received enthusiastically and proved to be an enjoyable way to create a non-threatening atmosphere to learn. The unusual, unexpected and light-hearted scenarios made it a fun learning experience.
As a result, our infection control program has continued to use unique approaches to learning and is well recognized and received through-out the hospital.
LESSONS LEARNED: We learned that it works much better with an educator present as it provided wonderful opportunities for ‘one on one’ education, reinforcing knowledge and correcting wrong perceptions. This particular program did not require pre- and post-testing for evaluation of learning, but could easily be added to the educational plan.
Adult learners respond best in a non-threatening environment, when itʹs applicable to their work world.
This poster abstract is not intended to be the report of a scientific study, but an opportunity to share a unique infection control review strategy.
