Undergraduate Nursing Students and Management of Interruptions: Preparation of Students for Future Workplace Realities. Journal Article

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Authors: Schroers, G; Ross, JG; Moriarty, H
Article Title: Undergraduate Nursing Students and Management of Interruptions: Preparation of Students for Future Workplace Realities.
Abstract: AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate interruption management strategies and associative cues used by nursing students when interrupted during simulated medication administration. BACKGROUND: Interruptions occur with high frequency in health care settings and are associated with increased medication errors and decreased task efficiency. The Altmann and Trafton memory for goals model, a cognitive-science model, proposes use of associative cues during an interruption to mitigate these negative effects. METHOD: A mixed-methods, two-site study explored associative cues and other management strategies that nursing students used when interrupted during simulated medication administration. Data were collected via direct observation and semistructured interviews. RESULTS: Students primarily multitasked (66.7 percent) during the interruption. Few students (5.5 percent) used associative cues. Students voiced the need for education and practice on how to manage interruptions. CONCLUSION: Evidence-based strategies are required to prepare nursing students for workplace interruptions. Use of associative cues during interruptions warrants further investigation.
Journal Title: Nursing education perspectives
ISSN: 1536-5026; 1536-5026
Publisher: Unknown  
Date Published: 2021
LUC Authors
  1. Ginger Schroers
    4 Schroers
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