MakatiMed Clinical Care Associate Program: A Strategic Innovation in Addressing the Challenges of Nursing Workforce During Crisis

Authors: JULIUS L. VINLUAN RN, CLDP; JOSHUA JAIME P. NARIO RN, MA, CLDP ; CHARISSA S. DE LUNA RN, MAN ; & DARYL JEREMIAH R. GABA RN, MAN
Collaborating Teams: Nursing & Patient Care Services – Clinical Nursing Units & Nursing Support Services, Human Resource Management
Development Department

 

INTRODUCTION

Shortage of registered nurses (RNs) in hospitals can have a significant impact on patient care and outcomes. When there are not enough RNs on staff, patients may not receive timely or adequate care, and the remaining nurses may experience burnout from carrying a heavier workload.

AIM

The project was initiated to address the challenges of the nursing workforce, which can have a significant impact on patient care and outcomes. In addition, the
initiative evaluates the effectiveness and impact of the implemented strategies in addressing the challenges in the nursing workforce to sustain clinical operations
during a disruptive time.

 

METHOD

1. Establishment of Nurse Staffing Taskforce

2. Creation of New Position: Clinical Care Associate (CCA)

3. Conduction of Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Activities

4. Implementing Training: Clinical Efficiency Program for CCA

5. Offering Scholarship Program: Nurse Licensure Educational Assistance Program (NLEAP)

6. Granting Outright Promotion from CCA to Registered Nurse position

7. Providing a Nursing Competency Workshop (NCW) and Continuing Professional Development

RESULTS

The combination of strategies was able to address the challenges in the nursing workforce. A total of 13% was augmented as a result of this initiative.

Furthermore, the project, comprised of staff development supportive and engagement strategies, was measured using the four (4) levels of Kirckpatrick Modelof Evaluation:

Level 1: Reaction 

3.82 or “Excellent” Clinical Efficiency Program for CCA*

3.83 or “Excellent” NLEAP Scholarship Program*

4.00 or “Excellent” NCW*

2.12 or “Effective” in the area of practice CCA Program**

 

Level 2: Learning

83% average score Program Final Assessment & Examination

 

Level 3: Behavior

3.25 or “Good” Performance in Competency Assessment*

0.33 per 1000 patients with a target of 1.69 per 1000 patients Fall Nursing Sensitive-Indicator

1.13 per 100 patients with a target of 2.00 per 100 patients Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury Nursing Sensitive-Indicator

Level 4: Result

13% Cost Saving (Year 2022) Reduced facility cost. Lower travel expenses. Learn at own pace.

Augmented 13% Nursing Workforce

120 CCA successfully promoted to Registered Nurse positions

102 Commendations obtained from patient feedback surveys

* - 4-point likert scale **- 3-point likert scale

 

CONCLUSION & PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The inception of the Clinical Care Associate role and the implementation of a comprehensive strategy has greatly contributed to cultivating the institution’s talent pool, facilitating a smoother transition for newly graduated nurses into professional practice. By fostering collaboration and partnerships across various departments, we have catalyzed the creation of innovative talent development solutions while fulfilling the needs of the nursing workforce. Consequently, improving the impact to patient safety and quality health care.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Nursing Education Research & Development, Nursing & Patient Care Services, Makati Medical Center
+63 2 88888 999 local 2175 . NSD_NERD@makatimed.net.ph