Development and Evaluation of an Education Program Based on Whole Brain Model for Novice Nurses

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to develop and implement an education program based on the Whole Brain Model for novice nurses, and to evaluate its effects on work performance, interpersonal skills and self-efficacy. Methods: A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was used with an experimental group (n=20) and a control group (n=21). The experimental group participated in an education program based on the Whole Brain Model for seven sessions over 4 weeks. An independent t-test, χ2-test, and Mann-Whitney U test were performed to analyze the data. Results: There were statistically significant differences in work performance (p=.015), interpersonal skills (p=.014) and self-efficacy (p=.021) between the experimental and the control group. Conclusion: This program was an effective learning strategy to enhance nursing competence for novice nurses. The novice nurses who participated this program were able to reflect deeply on themselves, improve interpersonal skills, and induce whole-brain integrated thinking in learning how to solve the problems caused by changes in patient conditions that can be experienced in clinical practice. Therefore, this program can be recommended for regular continuing education for novice nurses.