Effectiveness of Training Program for Principal Emergency Nursing Practice in Undergraduate Nursing Students in Thailand

Background: Preparing readiness of nursing students for clinical practice is essential to enhance knowledge and self-efficacy as well as brings about effective nursing care and favorable outcomes of care. The aim of this study was to compare knowledge and self-efficacy in emergency nursing practice among nursing students before and after receiving one day training program for principal emergency nursing practice, and evaluate satisfaction with the training program.

 Method:This is a comparative study included the sample of 13 fourth year nursing students who enrolled the course “Clinical Nursing Practicum in Selected Area: Emergency Nursing”. One day program was particularly established to enhance knowledge and self-efficacy in emergency nursing practice. The training program was composed of demonstration, return demonstration and clinical simulation in relation to ABCs management, drug administration in emergencies, cardiac arrhythmia recognition, and simulated clinical scenario of traumatic and emergent patients. All participants had completely fulfilled questionnaires; 15 items multiple-choice questionnaire regarding knowledge of emergency nursing practice, 30 items of self-efficacy for emergency nursing practice; and 14 items of satisfaction with the training program.

Result:After participating in the training program, the students had significantly higher knowledge (p < .001), and self-efficacy of emergency nursing practice (p < .001) than those before the program. The overall satisfaction with the training program was extremely satisfied (61.5%), and highly satisfied (38.5%).

Conclusion and recommendation: One day training program for principal emergency nursing practice was effective to improve knowledge and self-efficacy in emergency nursing practice among the fourth year nursing students. Therefore, one day training program should be included in the undergraduate nursing curriculum to enhance knowledge and self-efficacy in emergency nursing practice.