Has anyone had to do a PPDS test at their hospital?

[LoneWolfRN2010]

The hospital I work for and am starting in a new positon as an Intern RN next month does a test called a PPDS for all nurses. I'm sorry, I have no idea what it stands for! They are a little vague as to what the test is like, but I have been told you are given a "clinical picture" and some information about the patient in the picture, and then asked a series of questions about what you saw and what you would do.

I have also been told that many new RN's especially do not do well on this test due to lack of experience with prioritizing a full patient load. If I do not "pass" this PPDS test, I have to go to a med-surg floor before I can even be considered to get onto the floor I was actually hired for (post partum and high-risk antepartum). I would then have a maximum of 6 months to retake it and pass.

I am just wondering if anyone else had had to take this test and what sort of things I could expect from it?

Thanks

[kacefaceRN]

When I started my first job, I had to take a computerized clinical scenario test that sounds very similar to what you are describing. It's called the PBDS (Performance Based Development System). If I remember correctly, the test we took was something like six hours long and broken into maybe five sections. For two of the sections, they would show a brief video of a patient and then you would be expected to write what was happening, what actions you would take, and what you would communicate to/expect from the MD.

There was a section on communication where you would listen to conversations between a nurse and a patient or doctor. I can't really remember what the goal of that section was-maybe you were supposed to offer a better way of communicating? Also, there was a section where it showed you a picture of things that could go wrong with IVs and we had to state the problem and how we would resolve it. I feel like there was one more section, but obviously I have tried to block this test from my memory

My suggestion to you is to be detailed in your descriptions of the actions you would take and especially in what you would communicate to the MD. Use SBAR format to organize your thoughts. Don't assume that the test grader knows what you would do in that situation-you have to write down everything. Even if it's something simple like taking vital signs, write it down. Otherwise, try to relax and don't feel bad about yourself if you don't pass. One thing I found very frustrating about the test was that it was unclear exactly what the test was looking for. There is very minimal direction given. Like you said, the test is definitely geared towards nurses who have experience. As a new nurse, it will be difficult because you have not seen these scenarios in real life and you have never had the opportunity to observe how the nursing team responds to them.

I did find a website where it offers some common scenarios to study.

http://hrnservices.com/?PBDS%20Sample%20Exam&node=181

Hope this helps!

Edit: Just found out that if you search for "PBDS" on allnurses.com, you'll be able to find many threads discussing the test.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

PBDS is a very widely used assessment tool - but it was not designed to determin "pass - fail". instead, it was designed to assess your developmental needs so that your orientation can be tailored to fit them. The assessment is actually just a small part of the PBDS process. There are also some very specific activities & tools along with a different type of 'coaching'. For instance, if you are found to have difficulty with prioritizing - your preceptor will work with you to develop this skill using some very specific techniques.

If you are found to 'meet expectations' (able to keep the "patients" safe), you will not need to be re-assessed. But if you need additional development, you will eventually be re-assessed to determine whether your development was successful. The re-assessment is shorter (~2 hours), and focused only on the areas that need improvement.

My advice would be to relax and get plenty of sleep prior to the assessment... it's long and can be very tiring. There are no multiple choice, true-false, or any other type of 'forced choice' questions. It is ALL free text, designed to determine what you know, rather than how good you are at taking standardized tests. The assessment is evaluated by a real person (not a computer) who will take your background into consideration when the responses are rated. For instance, new graduates are not really expected to be able to anticipate physician orders like an experienced nurse.

As a long-time educator, I would also point out that the use of PBDS is an indication that the facility has made a real commitment to ensure that no one is 'thrown to the wolves' and everyone is provided with the development they need. They actually have data to measure the effectiveness of their orientation & development process -- if it's not working, they can't simply ignore it and blame it on the new hires. PBDS is not cheap, but there is a ton of evidence that it really works.