Implementing an Evidence-Based Preceptorship Program in a Military Burn Center

The goal of the proposed evidence-based practice (EBP) project is to implement an evidence-based Precepting Program within the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) Burn Center to reduce the incidence of turnover of staff nurses within a demanding healthcare environment. Retention and satisfaction is compromised by the lack of a structured EBP Precepting Program, which serves as the driving problem-focused trigger. 

PICOT question: Does implementing an evidenced-based precepting program(I) in the USAISR Burn Center for nursing staff(P) improve nursing satisfaction and decrease turnover(O) when compared to staff satisfaction and turnover(O) during a 12 month period(T)?

The specific aims for this project include: 1) Implement an evidence-based Preceptor development program, where the best method for selection for the Preceptor is identified and based on an established training platform; 2) Develop an evidence-based Preceptee training program with identification of baseline Preceptee competency, ongoing multifaceted evaluation and retention strategies for the competent staff nurse; and 3) Develop a ‘toolkit’ for precepting training program sustainment. 

This EBP project will use the Iowa Model of EBP to Promote Quality Practice 1 to guide implementation of the evidence-based Vermont Nurses in Partnership (VNIP) Preceptor Training Program2-3 at the Army Burn Center. Upon successful development of competent Preceptors, all newly hired or assigned nurses to the Burn Center will begin the formal Precepting Program.

Endpoints for success of this project are: 1) new hire retention, 2) staff satisfaction, 3) knowledge of all staff members on wound care concepts and practices specific to the USAISR Burn Center, and 4) sustainability of the EBP Precepting Program within the Burn Center.

Final report is available on NTRL: https://ntrl.ntis.gov/NTRL/dashboard/searchResults/titleDetail/PB2015102...