Branding STARs into WTA Super STARs

Title:

Branding STARS as WTA Super STARS

Authors:

Pat Pezzella, BSN, RN, CWON

Margery Jensen, MSN, RN CWON

Laura Phearman, BSN, RN, CPNP

Abstract text:

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to give the S.T.A.R. (Skin Team Advocate and Resource)  members the knowledge and confidence to serve as better role models for wound and skin care and pressure ulcer prevention on the units.

Objective/Relevance/Significance

The S.T.A.R .committee staff nurses are the front line team members in preventing pressure ulcers and providing quality wound and skin care. Stage III, IV, and unstageable pressure ulcers are never events. It is essential to have skin care champions on every unit to reinforce and educate all staff on pressure ulcer prevention and wound and skin care.

Strategy and Implementation

There is a lack of evidence-based practices available to prevent HAPU in OR patients so an interdisciplinary OR HAPU prevention workgroup was formed. Recommendations and funding were made for the following interventions to prevent OR related injuries:

1. Obtained funding through the Department of Nursing for the program and individual applicant fees. Nurses to complete the online portion on their own time.
2. 30 members of the S.T.A.R. committee completed the Wound Treatment Associate online program.
3. Nurses completed qualtrics knowledge and confidence survey prior to starting the course, at completion of the course and at 6 months. 
4. Added role expectations for these WTA® S.T.A.R.s on the their assigned units.

Evaluation

Following the course the participants survey revealed an increase in knowledge of wound care, pressure ulcer prevention, pressure ulcer staging, and confidence in working with peers on implementing interventions on their units.  The participants are starting to develop unit based projects.