Nursing Training

Nursing training at all NorthShore sites is a major initiative for CSTAR.  We realize that the care patients receive from their nurses can make all the difference in their recovery.

Dr. Kharasch, Dr. Wang, and Pam Aitchison, RN recently spearheaded NorthShore’s SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) training program.  This technique provides an easy-to-remember, concrete mechanism useful for framing critical communication between physicians and nursing staff.  Conducted exclusively at our Highland Park Hospital site, we simulated cases in the lab where the nurse needed to assess a patient and, via phone, communicate issues requiring a clinician’s immediate attention and action. After each scenario, we debriefed the key clinical items that are required in every SBAR discussion.  We succeeded in providing this SBAR training to over 500 nurses across NorthShore’s hospitals. Cultivating these behaviors is essential for developing teamwork and fostering a culture of patient safety.

Nurse Aitchison has been the lead trainer in an array of nursing training endeavors featuring simulation.  These programs have included: nursing skills day, mock codes, ACLS, BLS, ABLS (Advanced Burn Life Support), NP/PA training, and other review courses.

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