Central Valley ICU nurses have been facing increased census and patient acuity. The ICU Unit Based Council saw an opportunity to enhance the skill set of the department nurses. The team took initiative and developed hands on skills days that encompassed high acuity patient care needs and nursing interventions.

The group engaged key physician stakeholders to help lead the didactic portion to ensure evidence-based and current standards were included. Each station was run by a bedside ICU RN, easing anxiety and aiding in learning in a psychologically safe environment.

Additionally, the Education Council developed Code Blue classes for medical-surgical and telemetry nurses. They covered rhythm recognition, ACLS algorithms, crash cart scavenger hunt, and a simulation that included hands on CPR with CPR coach, and a information session on device operations.  This enabled the medical surgical nurses to become familiar with the process and equipment in a safe learning environment.

Nurses investing in the growth and development of each other improved morale, increased confidence in skill clinical skill set, and ultimately leads to better patient outcomes.