Journal of nursing staff development : JNSD最新文献

The impetus for cost containment may necessitate using teaching strategies different from traditional classroom models used in staff development. Educators can design self-directed learning modules to educate staff to work more effectively with special populations, such as children and elderly patients. Encompassing more than 40 years of literature, this review identifies the best modular designs, the cost benefits, and various studies about the effectiveness of self-directed learning modules.

Educators acknowledge the value of objectives in planning educational sessions and in evaluating outcomes of those sessions. However, they often express frustration in writing educational objectives. The author explores methods of writing objectives in the three domains of learning.

Computers, rather than instructors, patiently tutored the nurses, providing them with as much practice as necessary to master calculation skills. Instruction was consistent and readily available. Traditional printed material also was used because of its portability and accessibility. It was reassuring for the nurses to have something tangible to review. Program evaluations were positive. Comments such as the following were not uncommon: "The computer is a patient tutor; it never criticizes or tires"; "It was better than attending a workshop or lecture. I really learned the material because I was responsible for my learning." Currently, this group of nurses is using computer-assisted instructional programs for professional development. With the help and guidance of the PENZANCE staff, they overcame their fear of the technology and are now requesting that more programs be made available. It was a good experience for all.

Computer-based instruction provides flexibility for staff development in the context of downsizing and rapid change in hospitals. There is an increasing need for nurse involvement in human immunodeficiency virus test counseling in hospitals and clinics because the Centers for Disease Control has recommended that human immunodeficiency virus testing be offered to all pregnant women. In this article, the author describes the development and evaluation of a computer-based instruction program to train nurses in human immunodeficiency virus test counseling.

The authors describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a continuing education course for nurses. Goals of the program were to help change attitudes toward care of older persons and to help nurses realign value priorities in practice so the concerns, needs, and wishes of patients directed care. Learners engaged in dialogues about aging and were introduced to an alternative nurse-person process in which the patient was leader. Evaluations were positive for nurses and quality of care.

At Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, the education department has implemented a workload/outcome measurement system to analyze the elements necessary to deliver educational services and to identify the outcomes of that service at the application and impact levels. The system is unique in that it considers the "costs" in terms of the time and money necessary to produce an educational product in relationship to the "benefits" of that product to the organization. Monitoring workloads can help set work priorities and adjust work activities. Measuring outcomes can provide justification for workload by determining whether the activity made a difference and can draw attention to the importance of removing system barriers and of providing ongoing support in the workplace to achieve higher outcomes. This system can be adapted successfully to any healthcare facility to make decisions about educational priorities and resource allocation.