Overview

Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department (ASH ED), a busy and unique ED in the Australian outback, recently implemented Med App. The remote location presents significant workforce challenges, particularly in recruiting and retaining skilled nursing staff. High turnover rates resulted in frequent orientation for incoming personnel, however, the standard approach of delivering orientation materials (via email or on arrival) was not engaging the new workforce.

With only 13% of new hires reviewing orientation materials before starting, many arrived unprepared, putting added pressure on senior staff and compromising patient care. The department needed a modern solution to better equip its staff before their first day on the job.

The Problem: Challenges in Nurse Recruitment and Onboarding in Remote Emergency Departments

Recruitment and retention in a remote, high-demand environment such as an outback ED is complex. With a constantly changing workforce, the emergency department found itself continually orienting new nurses, both permanent and agency (locum). However, their existing method of delivering orientation materials via email was not successful in preparing the new recruits. Only 13% of new staff reported reviewing the information before their first shift.

This lack of preparation led to a range of issues:

• Unprepared staff upon arrival
• Added stress and workload for senior nurses
• Negative impact on staff satisfaction and patient care
• A disconnect between the tech-savvy new workforce and the outdated orientation methods

The traditional approach did not meet the expectations of younger employees who prefer more dynamic, interactive learning tools. The result was a costly cycle of poor engagement, low preparedness, and strained resources.

“Only 13% of new staff reported reviewing the information before their first shift”

The Solution: How Med App Transformed Nurse Onboarding in the Remote ED

In 2023, the ASH ED turned to Med App to streamline and modernise the onboarding process. Med App’s offline functionality was critical, allowing new staff to download and review orientation materials during their travel to the remote ED, including while on flights. This was particularly beneficial given the outback location.

The app’s user-friendly design, intuitive navigation, and interactive features made the onboarding process more engaging. Staff could easily access critical information before they even arrived, preparing them to “hit the ground running” from day one. Med App’s personalised elements—such as a local “bucket list” of things to do in the area—added a sense of excitement to the transition.

Key features of Med App included:

• Offline accessibility for staff travelling to remote locations
• Intuitive interface with clear, easy-to-navigate sections
• Information presented in digestible, well-organised modules
• Personal touches to build excitement for the new role

Results & Benefits: The Impact of Med App on Nurse Onboarding and Patient Care

The impact of implementing Med App was immediate and profound. After its introduction, 93% of incoming staff reviewed the orientation materials before starting their role—an incredible leap from the previous 13% engagement rate.

The new app-driven onboarding process resulted in several key benefits:

• Better Prepared Staff: New recruits arrived ready and informed, leading to smoother transitions into their roles.
• Reduced Senior Staff Workload: With better-prepared new hires, senior nursing staff spent less time on orientation and support, allowing them to focus more on patient care.
• Improved Job Satisfaction: By providing clear, accessible resources, Med App boosted both new hire and senior staff satisfaction.
• Enhanced Patient Care: A more prepared workforce translated into improved patient care, as staff had the knowledge and confidence to perform at a high level from the start.
• Ongoing Learning: Med App’s easy-to-access format allowed staff to revisit orientation materials anytime, supporting continuous learning and professional development.

“The impact of implementing Med App was immediate and profound”

Conclusion: Building a Resilient Remote Nursing Workforce with Med App

In an environment where workforce sustainability is critical, Med App played a key role in transforming the staff onboarding experience. By increasing engagement from 13% to 93%, the ED in Australia’s remote outback now boasts a more prepared, confident, and satisfied nursing team.

As healthcare evolves, digital tools like Med App will continue to drive success in ensuring that new staff are not only skilled but also excited about their roles. Modernising the onboarding process with Med App is a step toward building a more resilient, engaged workforce, capable of delivering top-quality care in even the most challenging settings.

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**Adapted with permission from an original white paper written by Carol Bartee, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Alice Springs Hospital ED**