Knowledge and learning in speciality practice. Issue 6 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spence, Kaye; Sinclair, Lynn; Morritt, Mary Lou; Laing, Sharon
• Is Part Of: Journal of neonatal nursing. Volume 22:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 263
• Page End: 276
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Novice -- Experienced nurses -- Neonatal nurses -- Speciality nursing -- NICU-BKAT4 learning preferences; Newborn infants -- Care -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatal intensive care -- Periodicals; Soins infirmiers en néonatologie -- Périodiques; Infant, Newborn, Diseases -- Periodicals; Intensive Care, Neonatal -- Periodicals; Neonatal Nursing -- Periodicals; 618.9200231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnn.2016.05.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-1841

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To describe the working knowledge (knowledge-in-action) of nurses in the speciality of neonatal nursing and understand how they acquire this knowledge to inform strategies for orientation, mentorship, in-service programs and curricula of speciality neonatal programs. A questionnaire consisting of three parts; demographics, questions about outcomes of care and the NICU-BKAT4 knowledge questionnaire. Was distributed to all neonatal nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and Newborn Emergency Transport Service (NETS) in New South Wales Australia. Results: Nurses with less than one year speciality experience typically had the lowest NICU-BKAT4 scores and 'critical' knowledge essential for safe practice (p's < .001). Patterns of learning emerged, with the majority (97%) of novice nurses showing a preference for experiential 'on-the-job' learning. Conclusion: This research adds to the understanding of nurses' learning preferences, has implications for speciality nursing education and practice and suggests a review of current educational strategies.