Normal labor and childbirth: developing self-learning modules for newly hired case room RNs

Abstract

Orientation education in the nursing profession is crucial. Newly hired Registered Nurses (RNs) must obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent and evidence-based nursing care. In the case room of St. John’s, NL, many gaps were evident within the orientation process. After performing consultations and a literature review, it was determined that selflearning modules pertaining to normal childbirth and nursing support would be beneficial for newly hired case room RNs. Knowles' Principles of Adult Learning and Benner’s Stages of Clinical Competence guided the process for completing these modules. A series of four modules were created, which include anatomy and physiology of normal pregnancy and childbirth, along with nursing care and non-pharmacological support during each stage of labor. These modules will be piloted in the case room during orientation scheduled for this May to determine their appropriateness and usefulness for newly hired case room RNs and the unit as a whole. By reading these modules, they should be better equipped to further their learning during the orientation period. In addition, they will hopefully be able to provide evidence-based care and support to laboring women, which could lead to better outcomes for mothers, babies, and the organization as a whole.