Just one rehab center in the western suburbs – Alden Valley Ridge in Bloomingdale – 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 Valley Ridge was selected to participate in this national study,” says Trevor Huisinga, 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, which 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.

Alden Valley Ridge offers short-term orthopedic recovery and post-acute services. Alden Valley Ridge is located at 275 E. Army Trail Rd. For more information, call 630-893-9616 or visit www.AldenValleyRidge.com.