Improving clinical judgment of newly licensed nurses with in situ and structured debriefing: an evidence-based practice project

Abstract

Sound clinical judgment (CJ) is essential for providing quality patient care. Newly licensed nurses lack the previous experiences needed to inform CJ, which could result in harm. This project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of in situ and structured debriefing on the development of CJ among newly licensed nurses during their orientation. A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group post-test design was used to compare CJ among newly licensed nurses who used in situ and structured debriefing during their initial orientation to those who did not use debriefing methodology. CJ was improved through in situ and structured debriefing. Newly licensed nurses also perceived debriefing as valuable for analyzing their performance and developing a personal improvement plan. Conclusions: Debriefing during orientation has the potential to improve CJ among newly licensed nurses and promote patient safety. Nurse leaders must implement methods to improve CJ among newly licensed nurses to address the existing decline in competency. Given their benefits, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, debriefing methodologies should also be considered to promote CJ development among nurses transitioning to new care environments and advanced practice roles.