Abstract:

Objective To construct the learning curve for new nurses in anesthesiology department to master radial artery catheterization. Methods Twelve new anesthesia nurses were recruited and they were trained on radial artery puncture catheter skills through simulation and knowledge learning. Each nurse was trained for 5 times in 4 phases. The operation time and number of catheterizations were recorded. The cumulative summation was calculated and learning curve was drew. Results The slope of the individual learning curve started to be negative from 10 to 18,and the total learning curve started to be negative from the 13th operation. Conclusion The cumulative summation analysis shows that the learning process of radial artery catheterization for new nurses in anesthesiology department could be divided into learning stage and proficient stage. Thirteen were the cut-off point. In other words,nurses need to practice at least 13 times to master the technique of radial artery catheterization.

Key words: Anesthesia Department,Hospital, Inservice Training, Learning Curve, Catheterization,Peripheral