Ward 1A Clinical Development Roadmap
Phase 1: Introduction to Cardiology and Ward Systems (0–2 Weeks)
Focus: Safety, systems, and acclimating to team and ward environment
Learning Objectives
- Understand the ward structure, daily flow, model of care (Practice Partnership), routines
- Identify key roles in the multidisciplinary team and how to seek support
- Use ISBAR to communicate within the team safely and effectively
- Begin contributing to the ward’s collaborative culture by learning how we support students, new grads, and each other
- Learn foundations of cardiac nursing assessment
Learning Activities
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Complete ward orientation: Locate emergency numbers, signage, MET trolley, WUGs, and policies.
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Team Observation: Shadow different team members (e.g., CN, AIN, TL) observe their role and how they communicate within the team
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Participate in Team Huddles: Reflect on how communication and planning happen in real time
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Supervised ISBAR: Prepare a written ISBAR handover using template for one stable patient. Please access and use the Cardiology minimum dataset. Handover to CNCF/CN.
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Case Study: Select a patient and briefly describe their journey from admission to current status. Discuss with CNCF or CN.
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VEMS simulation: Chest Pain on the ward.
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Perform Q-ADDS review: For two patients and go through with CNCF
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Debrief/Reflect: Either written reflection log or verbal debrief with peer/mentor/CNCF. Check in with yourself and write down any concerns or questions you may have, think about any support you might need next in the coming weeks and discuss with CNCF or NUM (if comfortable to do so).
Key Resources
- Ward 1A Orientation Package – model of care, team structure, communication norms
- Oxford Handbook of Cardiac Nursing (library or purchase own) - Ch2 Cardiac Assessment
- Metro North Values & ‘Above the Line’ Behaviour Expectations (see QHEPS)
- ISBAR Communication Tool
- Clinical Handover Cardiology minimum dataset
- Cardiac Anatomy Worksheet and quizzes
- Anatomy of the ECG
- Medical Cardiovascular Assessment - (41) Cardiovascular Assessment - YouTube
- This is to help understand how the medical team approaches assesssment
Competency Tools
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Checklist:
- Can describe the ward model of care (Practice Partnership)
- Can identify and explain the roles of at least three other team members
- Can demonstrate use of ISBAR in a patient handover
- Accurately documents and escalates using Q-ADDS tool
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Reflection Prompts:
- “What have I observed about how our team supports each other?”
- “What does good teamwork look like on Ward 1A?”
➡ Go to Phase 1 - Capstone