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Abstract
Understanding the role and training of all healthcare professionals is essential for RNs who are responsible for delegating, receiving, and transferring patient care too. An educational program which educates nursing students about the role, and training of EMTs was designed in an attempt to enhance interprofessional collaboration, communication, and the safe transfer of patients across the two professions. EMTs were selected as a profession of interest related to the acute, and often frantic environment in which RNs and EMTs interact. The purpose of the educational program was to educate program participants related to the role, and training of the varying certifications of EMTs within the New England area. The review of literature examined components of effective communication within healthcare settings, identified patient safety concerns related to ineffective communication, and examined the role and training of varying EMT certifications within the New England area. The educational program utilized an interactive PowerPoint lecture, scenarios, group discussion, and handouts to facilitate learning. Seventeen SNA members from RIC attended the program which was evaluated through the use of a post education evaluation tool. 100% of program attendees completed the voluntary post education surveys. Analysis of post education evaluation tool results, which evaluated attendees interest in program content, presenters’ delivery of content, and the program design where predominantly positive. No participants strongly disagreed with any of the provided Likert scale questions. Educating RNs on the role and training of the varying healthcare professionals they routinely interact, receive, and transfer patient too will decrease communication errors, and improve quality of care.