224 Creating a Burn Unit Orientation Manual Using the ABA Burn Nurse Competencies

• Published in: Journal of burn care & research 2019-03, Vol.40 (Supplement_1), p.S92-S92
• Main Author: Gloger, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1559-047X; 1559-0488
• DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irz013.152

Abstract Introduction Orienting new burn nurses can be very difficult given the specialized nature of burn nursing. In our academic, ABA-verified burn unit the orientation of a new burn nurse consists of a generalized hospital orientation, participation in a nurse residency program, and attendance of a two day burn class. However, it was noted that an evidenced-based reference with a focus on burn nursing was missing during this process. The aim of this project was to create a burn unit orientation manual using the American Burn Association (ABA) Burn Nurse Competencies as a framework. Methods Using the ABA Burn Nurse Competency statements as section headers, evidenced-based information from peer-reviewed burn publications was then used to “answer” each competency statement and essential performance criteria. Where appropriate, hospital-specific information was discussed, ensuring that the document not only reflected burn nursing on a global scale, but on a local scale as well. Construction of the manual began in May 2018 and ended in September 2018. In September 2018, the manual was then vetted by members of the Burn Unit Nursing Leadership to ensure that the manual accurately reflected the practices of burn nurses, as directed by the ABA Burn Nurse Competencies. Results The resulting manual that was vetted was shown to be not only a complete and thorough orientation manual for new employees, but also an ongoing reference outlining the competencies and expectations that exemplify a “Burn Nurse”. The Burn Unit Nursing Leadership was in agreement that the manual was ready to be utilized by the burn unit nurses. Conclusions The orientation and education of burn nurses continues to be a laborious process, often with limited evidenced-based resources pertaining to the nursing care of a burn patient. Using the ABA Burn Nurse Competencies provided the framework to create such a resource for our burn unit’s nursing staff. This will help ensure that nurses have an evidenced-based resource to help direct their care of burn patients. Applicability of Research to Practice Caring for a burn patient requires knowledge that is specific to burn nursing, as they are a unique patient population with their own intricacies. Having a resource that is evidenced-based will ensure that burn nurses are getting accurate information on how to care for their patients that meets the standards of the ABA.