Nurse Educators are challenged by staff requests for reeducation on equipment or skills that were previously taught. Low volume-high risk nursing interventions such as using blood warmers, rapid infusers or peritoneal dialysis protocol are common examples. Nurses lack confidence when providing low volume interventions and feel that reinstruction is necessary. Conversely, nurse educators are frustrated with the continual need for reeducation restricting time to teach new content. This recurring issue has motivated educators to reimagine teaching in a way that could provide real time learning to nurses. This tool also accommodates the different learning needs of the existing multigenerational workforce and is utilized for the onboarding of new graduates.
Methods:
Service line specific, 2-3 minute videos were developed by the nurse educators. Verbal instructions and demonstrations on how to use low volume equipment and specific care protocols were reviewed. QR codes were then created with these imbedded videos. Staff received instructions on how to access through smartphone technology at our RN Development Day. The QR codes were distributed to all nurses providing them with a tool that offers just in time learning. The videos were uploaded to YouTube and larger QR codes were also placed on all of the applicable equipment.
Results:
An evaluation of the program was completed. A survey taken by 187 nurses revealed that 80.2% strongly agreed that the integration of technology has facilitated learning because of the QR reader. The videos has over 500 views and nurse educators have noticed a decrease in requests for reeducation by staff.
Conclusion: The use of QR codes for just in time learning has proven to be effective and beneficial for nursing staff. Nurses feel empowered and more confident when required to perform a high risk low volume intervention due to the quick accessibility of education via this tool. Nurse Educators have observed less requests for reeducation and plan on continuing the use of QR codes as a just in time educational tool for nursing staff.