New nurses' quality and safety education: An analysis of the 2018 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses

Abstract

Background: The integration of the Nursing Quality and Safety Education (QSEN) competencies into American Association of College of Nursing - The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education warrants continued assessment of the new nurses' QSEN competencies preparedness.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze quality and safety education needs of nurses who graduated in 2016, 2017, and 2018 and have responded to the most recent National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses.

Methods: This is a retrospective correlational design study using analysis of publicly available data from the 2018 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses. A logistic regression model was used to assess correlations between 21 quality and safety education variables and nursing degree type.

Results: When adjusting for differences in demographic and work characteristics, there were no significant differences in quality and safety training needs by the nursing degree type. New nurses, regardless of the nursing degree type reported additional training needs in patient-centered care (50%), evidence-based practice and team-based care (40%), quality improvement (30%).

Conclusions: This study provides new, national data on new nurses' quality and safety education preparedness and provides evidence for the need for continued investment and integration of QSEN competencies in all nursing degree programs.

Keywords: Education; National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses; Nurses; Nursing; Quality; Safety.