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The Epic training team will launch the first phase of Project Nightingale, an improvement initiative designed to significantly reduce the time inpatient nurses who are onboarding spend in training, specifically the Core 100/200 and Student Nurse classes. Prompted by feedback from learners and nursing managers, the changes will shift some training from the classroom to Computer Based Learning modules. Project Nightingale will roll-out in multiple phases, and ultimately be made available to ambulatory and procedural areas later this year. 

“The goal of the project is to offer the best communication and training process for nurses at UVA Health,” notes Epic Training Manager Shenia Thompson. “Our revamped Epic training is designed to increase confidence among our nurses and equip them with the documentation skills they need to provide excellent patient care.”

The key improvements resulting from the project include:

• New Test-Out Assessment that places the nurse in the appropriate training in accordance with his/her current Epic skillset.
• Modernized Training Approach that includes time-saving computer based learning modules (CBLs).
• Optimized Classroom Training which significantly reduces the length of time nurses spend in the classroom. 
• Nurse Training Hub that has been curated specifically for UVA nurses providing a simple five-step process to complete Epic training.
• Enhanced Communication Model that includes easy to follow enrollment emails and class reminders

Thompson and her Epic Training colleagues began Project Nightingale by gathering feedback from the nursing team through rounding and interviews. They later formed a Nurse Advisory Group to obtain real-time feedback about curriculum design and workflow changes. The advisory group also helped test and evaluate new training material.

During implementation, the Epic training team will continue to gather feedback from nursing leaders, preceptors, educators and learners to adjust the revamped curriculum and make sure it is effective.

Additional training resources can be found on the Nurse Training Hub.