Purpose/Objectives:
The objectives of this study are to provide quality education to hospital staff, to take education to the staff in their environment, and to increase staff participating in education.
Significance:
As the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) created, prepared, and presented education, there was an investment of time and resources. From an annual needs assessment, education was planned on topics and at times that staff requested. The number of staff present created an educational system that was not time or financially effective.
Design/Background/Rationale:
At a community hospital, staff education had been offered in a traditional setting where the learner came to the teacher. Staff members were disappointed by the inability to attend the class due to patient census. Staff members were requesting education and were eager to learn.
Methods/Description:
The CNS was determined to find an innovative method for education. An older, not in use, crash cart was located in a closet. A bulletin board was attached to the back of the cart. A presentation would be developed and placed on the bulletin board or in a notebook on the cart. The bulletin board was decorated to catch the audience's attention. Snacks and extra supplies were placed in the drawers, and the cart was ready to take to the staff. Each presentation would be developed to last 5 to 10 minutes. Then the cart "roved" around the hospital on a set schedule. If staff forgot about the education, the CNS was able to find the staff and remind them. Staff appreciated the education being brought to them. During the 5- to 10-minute presentation, if the staff was called away to complete patient care, the cart would be in that area or another area so the education could be completed at another time.
Findings/Outcomes:
Quality education was being offered to more staff. Less time was paid for preparation and class attendance. Staff displayed a positive attitude toward education.
Conclusions:
The roving cart concept has been received in an exceptional manner. Management has realized the benefits of this type of education. Staff members are positive about the education received.
Implications for Practice:
Positive, effective education resulted when education method changed.
Section Description
The 2009 NACNS National Conference will be held in St Louis, Missouri, on March 5 to 7. More than 350 clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), graduate faculty, nurse administrators, nurse researchers, and graduate students are registered. This year's theme, "Clinical Nurse Specialists: Vision, Value, Voice," demonstrates the essential leadership skills of the CNS as well as the CNS role in implementing evidence-based practice.
Seventy abstracts were selected for either podium or poster presentations. Again, this year, there is a CNS student poster session. The abstracts addressed CNS practice in 3 practice domains (spheres of influence), emphasizing patient safety and quality care outcomes, leadership, evidence-based practice, and new ways to shape CNS practice. Topics include CNS work activities incorporated into 3 spheres of influence-patients, nursing practice, organization/system-including the development of clinical inquiry skills among staff nurses, use of simulation technology, strategies to maintain clinical excellence, CNS practice in end-of-life care decisions, and many new and thoughtful ideas to support CNS education, practice, and research. Collectively, the abstracts represent the breadth, depth, and richness of the CNSs' contribution to the well-being of individuals, families, communities, as well as to the advancement of the nursing profession.
The conference abstracts were published here to facilitate sharing this emerging new knowledge with those who were unable to attend the conference. As you read each abstract, appreciate the intellectual talent and clinical scholarship of your CNS colleagues who are advancing the practice of nursing and contributing to the health of society through improved outcomes for patients and healthcare organizations. We encourage you to contact individual presenters to network, collaborate, consult, or share your thoughts and ideas on the conference topics. Watch out for next year's call for abstracts and consider submitting for presentation at NACNS' next annual conference in Portland, Oregon, on March 4 to 6, 2010.