Precision Training for Critical Care

Grant Equips Nurses for ICU and ER Readiness

Thanks to a generous Nurse Education Grant from the Brinson Foundation, St. John’s Health is enhancing critical care training for Float Pool nurses preparing to work in the ICU and Emergency Department.

The grant funds the recent purchase of the AACN Knowledge Assessment Tool—a validated online resource that evaluates a nurse’s readiness for high-acuity care. Beginning June 2025, nurses will complete the assessment to identify individual knowledge gaps in areas like ventilator management, hemodynamics, and multisystem disorders. Targeted education and training will follow throughout the rest of calendar year 2025, with post-assessments helping track progress and guide continued development.

“This tool gives us a precise, evidence-based way to evaluate and support our nurses as they step into more complex care environments. It’s an investment in both staff development and patient safety,” said Sarah Wilkins, ICU Manager.

To complement the in-house training, participating nurses will also round at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a higher-volume critical care setting.

This effort reflects St. John’s Health’s commitment to data-driven education, smart resource use, and the highest standards of patient care. The Brinson Foundation’s support makes it possible to equip our team with the skills and confidence they need—right at the bedside where it matters most.