Alden Rehab Center in McHenry Selected for National Patient Outcome Improvement Study

Just one rehab center in the county – Alden Terrace of McHenry – has been selected by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to participate in an innovative, multi-state study aimed at improving patient care. The study evaluates the effect of a standardized training program for newly licensed nurses on patient safety and quality outcomes.

“I am very proud that Alden Terrace of McHenry was selected to participate in this national study,” says Pamela Lamb, administrator. “The Council selected us based on our strong leadership skills and the fact that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of nursing practice.”

Participants in the NCSBN study will implement a formal ‘Transition to Practice’ program of active learning, whic
will be compared with a ‘control group.’

“Our goal is to see if there is an improvement in patient safety, quality outcomes and nursing retention by implementing the NCSBN’s model for transitioning new nurses into the workplace,” says Lauren Magnusson, RN, director of clinical studies.                  

In Phase I of the ‘Transition to Practice Study’ (TTPS), newly licensed registered nurses (RNs) are evaluated in hospital settings. Phase II follows newly licensed RNs and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who work in settings other than hospitals such as long-term care and rehabilitation facilities like Alden. Phase II evaluates whether participation in a standardized ‘Transition to Practice’ program improves patient safety, leads to higher quality outcomes and improves nurse retention in health care settings other than hospitals. The second phase began in April and runs through Oct. 31.

The NCSBN study is unique in that it examines actual patient outcomes. Previous studies of new nurse transition programs have focused on retention rates, new nurse satisfaction, preceptor satisfaction and nurse perceptions of competence and confidence—but not actual patient outcomes.