Reproductive endocrinology and infertility nurse online orientation program evaluation: a quality improvement initiative

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel online orientation program (Nurses in REI Communication, Knowledge, and Skills [NRCKS]) among new and early-career reproductive endocrinology nurses to make recommendations for program quality improvement. Design: Quality improvement. Subject(s): Reproductive endocrinology nurses. Exposure: Online orientation program featuring 8 micromodules. Main Outcome Measure(s): Knowledge acquisition, confidence, user experience, skills, and abilities Result(s): Nurses demonstrated a statistically significant increase in reproductive knowledge after completion of NRCKS. Most nurse users felt confident applying knowledge in the clinical settings after program completion. Nurse users had an overall positive experience with interactive components and quality of visuals. Most nurse users gained skills and abilities that they will implement into professional practice. Nurses suggested improving navigation, adding more visuals in content expert presentations, and teaching soft skills necessary for the role of reproductive endocrinology nurses. Conclusion(s): Nurses in REI Communication, Knowledge, and Skills was well received by nurse participants and emphasized the receptivity and desire for reproductive health and fertility training among novice reproductive endocrinology nurses. Nurses in REI Communication, Knowledge, and Skills increased nursing knowledge, and nurses felt confident applying newly gained knowledge in the clinical setting on completion. Nurse participants provided invaluable feedback for quality improvement to inform the hard launch. The results emphasize the online orientation’s strong potential to close the theory-practice gap.

Keywords

• Reproductive endocrinology nurse
• training
• confidence
• knowledge acquisition
• user experience