Rapid Nurse Training to Meet Surge Capacity: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented health care challenges and transformation of nursing practice. A significant challenge faced by health care systems was the rapid identification and training of nurses in various specialties, including critical care, to care for a large influx of critically ill patients. Objective To identify common themes and modalities that support best practices for the rapid training of registered nurses in team-based critical care nursing. Methods With the Whittemore and Knafl integrative review methodology as a framework, a literature review was conducted using a priori search terms. Results The integrative review included 11 articles and revealed 3 common themes: communication challenges, team dynamics, and the methodological approach to implementing training. Discussion This integrative review highlighted 3 main implications for future practice and policy in the event of another pandemic. Clear and frequent communication, multidisciplinary huddles, and open communication are paramount for mitigating role confusion and enhancing team dynamics. A multimodal approach to training appears to be feasible and effective for rapidly training support registered nurses to care for critically ill patients. However, the optimal training duration remains unidentified. Conclusions Rapidly training registered nurses to care for critically ill patients in a team-based dynamic is a safe and effective course of action to mitigate staff shortages if another pandemic occurs.