Development of a learning resource manual for nurses new to thoracic surgery

Background: Patients with lung and esophageal cancer often have surgery as a means of treatment. In Newfoundland and Labrador, patients with lung and esophageal issues are cared for on Six East, the General/Thoracic Surgery unit at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital. These patients frequently require chest tubes, which are managed and assessed by Registered Nurses (RNs) on the unit. For nurses new to thoracic surgery, fulfilling their new role and caring for chest tube systems can be daunting. Purpose: The purpose of this practicum project was to develop a learning resource manual for nurses who are new to thoracic surgery. Via self-directed learning, the manual can increase the knowledge and self-efficacy of nurses who are caring for thoracic surgery clients and assessing chest tube systems. Methods: An informal needs assessment, integrated literature review, and several consultations via in-person interviews were conducted. Results: Based on the findings from these methodologies, Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory, and Benner’s Novice to Expert Model, a learning resource manual was created. The manual was divided into chapters covering various aspects of patient and chest tube system care and assessment. Conclusion: For the purpose of this practicum project, no evaluation was conducted. However, a plan for future evaluation of the learning resource manual has been developed to determine if the manual assisted with increasing the knowledge and self-efficacy of nurses new to thoracic surgery. “Test Your Knowledge” questions were included at the end of each chapter in the manual as well as case study scenarios to allow for participant self-evaluation.