Abstract
In staff development, varying methods of presentation can often make or break the learning process. A mock trial can help to increase nurses' awareness of the legal system and decrease the likelihood of a nurse being named in a medical negligence case. The mock trial presented at Texas Children's Hospital demonstrated what should and should not be documented and the importance of practicing within nursing standards of practice and hospital policies.
At Texas Children's Hospital, Nursing Grand Rounds is a method used to help the nurses meet the required continuing education hours for licensure. Grand Rounds are presented monthly by nurses from the different units within the hospital. The goal of Grand Rounds is to provide current knowledge related to clinical topics relevant to pediatric nursing practice. All of the presentations should incorporate the hospital's current standards of practice, established policy and procedures, and a case study. The presentation is presented within a framework of nursing addressing one or more of the following: Patient Care Outcomes; Developmental Milestones; Nursing Process; Nursing Documentation; Safety; Legal and Ethical Issues; Discharge Planning; Infection Control; and Patient and Family Education.
Nursing units are selected to plan, coordinate, present, and evaluate Grand Rounds. The presenting unit usually incorporates the unit's pediatric specialty. For example, the transplant unit presented information on liver transplants, and the neonatal intensive care unit talked about the developmental needs of a preterm infant. The Unit Educator is responsible for planning and coordinating Grand Rounds. This includes: developing the text, handouts, and visual aids; completing the continuing education application; coordinating equipment; marketing; and motivating nursing staff to participate in the development, presentation, and evaluation of Nursing Grand Rounds.