Abstract
Background
Global challenges in the development of a highly skilled and motivated nursing workforce, jeopardises the delivery of high quality care. Flexible and innovative workforce solutions are required to overcome these challenges.
Aims
To describe the implementation and present the preliminary evaluation of a bespoke initiative called the ‘Chief Nurse Excellence in Care Junior Fellow’ designed to develop foundational clinical and academic skills of frontline junior clinical staff.
Methods
This initiative was developed and piloted at a large, inner-city, acute NHS Trust. The initiative involved two main components: a bespoke development programme and an improvement project that was supported by clinical and academic mentors. The initiative was evaluated using structured feedback, case studies, and data on dissemination activities.
Results
Six fellows completed the first cohort of the initiative that commenced in the spring 2016. Results showed positive impact on professional development relating to the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. Case studies of projects showed demonstrable impact on patient experience, outcomes and cost savings. Wider organisation and NHS impact was demonstrated through multiple dissemination activities.
Conclusion
This preliminary evaluation provides evidence that this initiative is a sustainable, clinically driven career development opportunity at a foundational level with demonstrable positive impact on care and staff development. Further work is underway to carry out a longitudinal structure, process and outcome evaluation with particular focus on impact.
Global challenges in the development of a highly skilled and motivated nursing workforce, jeopardises the delivery of high quality care. Flexible and innovative workforce solutions are required to overcome these challenges.
Aims
To describe the implementation and present the preliminary evaluation of a bespoke initiative called the ‘Chief Nurse Excellence in Care Junior Fellow’ designed to develop foundational clinical and academic skills of frontline junior clinical staff.
Methods
This initiative was developed and piloted at a large, inner-city, acute NHS Trust. The initiative involved two main components: a bespoke development programme and an improvement project that was supported by clinical and academic mentors. The initiative was evaluated using structured feedback, case studies, and data on dissemination activities.
Results
Six fellows completed the first cohort of the initiative that commenced in the spring 2016. Results showed positive impact on professional development relating to the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. Case studies of projects showed demonstrable impact on patient experience, outcomes and cost savings. Wider organisation and NHS impact was demonstrated through multiple dissemination activities.
Conclusion
This preliminary evaluation provides evidence that this initiative is a sustainable, clinically driven career development opportunity at a foundational level with demonstrable positive impact on care and staff development. Further work is underway to carry out a longitudinal structure, process and outcome evaluation with particular focus on impact.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 678-689 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Journal of Research in Nursing |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2018 |
Keywords
- chief nurse
- clinical academic careers
- clinical research
- evidence-based practice
- structural empowerment
- talent management
- transformational leadership
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Research and Theory