Nursing Staff Development
Philosophy
The Staff Development Philosophy evolves
from and is reflective of the philosophy of Huntington
Hospital and its’ Department of Nursing.
The Staff Development Philosophy recognizes that the
patient is the ultimate focus of any healthcare organization
and that, as such, nursing program offerings in large
part should be patient centered. Promoting patient
safety is an integral component of these offerings.
In addition, patient and employee satisfaction plays
a critical role in a patient/family- centered model
of care. Our offerings are reflective of this
belief.
The mission of the Staff Development Department is
to continuously improve the quality of nursing care
by encouraging individual staff members to evaluate
their competence, assess their learning needs, take
action to improve their knowledge base, and thereby
improve their practice. In addition, promoting the
advancement of formal academic education and professional
certification is vital to our strategic plan. Professional
development activities are planned based on the framework
for Nursing Professional Development set forth by the
American Nurses Association.
The individual nurse, as an adult learner, has the
primary responsibility for development and maintenance
of his/her own knowledge base and competence.
The primary role of Staff Development
is to support the learning needs of nurses by providing
opportunities for the acquisition of new knowledge,
skills and behaviors in view of advancing technologies,
changing healthcare delivery systems, expanding nursing
roles, and nursing research. These opportunities
include orientation, continuing education, formal and
informal inservices, coaching, and consulting.
It is essential that Staff Development offerings be
kept relevant to the organizational expectations and
needs of consumers, as well as to the learning needs
and satisfaction of employees.
NURSING STAFF DEVELOPMENT
DEFINITION AND PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Nursing Staff Development by definition
is the process of assessment, development, and evaluation
that enhances the performance or professional development
of health care providers. According to the National
Nursing Staff Development Organization (NNSDO), Nursing
Professional Development is the lifelong process of
active participation by nurses in learning activities
that assist in developing and maintaining their continuing
competence, enhance their professional practice, and
support achievement of their career goals. The
Staff Development Department at Huntington Hospital
serves to foster all aspects of professional development.
Staff Development includes a variety of learning experiences,
both formal and informal. Staff Development
programs are formed by assessing the learning needs
of nursing staff, as well as by review of risk management
findings, and are planned and implemented by the Staff
Development educators. Evaluation of Staff Development
programs is based on collaboration among nursing supervisors,
educators and learners. Consideration is given
to use of the most cost effective methods in attainment
of objectives.
The components of Staff Development include, but are
not limited to:
- Continuing Education Programs:
These programs are designed to build
upon previously acquired knowledge and skills of
the learner. They promote the development
of knowledge, skills and attitudes for the enhancement
of nursing practice. Huntington Hospital
is an approved New York State Nurses Association
(NYSNA) provider of Continuing Education for nurses.
- Orientation:
Orientation is designed to aid the
new employee in assimilation to a new environment,
duties and responsibilities. The program
is individualized according to the learning needs
of the new employee, as well as specified hospital
assignments. Selected aspects of the orientation
program are competency based.
- In-Services Education Programs:
Instructional or training programs
provided in the work setting are designed to increase
competence in specific areas of practice.
- Incidental Learning:
Opportunities will be offered in the work environment
which may relate to such things as specific deficiencies,
new products, etc., and which may not be preplanned,
but are significant in achieving the overall goal
of the Staff Development program.
- Support:
Coaching and counseling all levels of nursing
staff is emphasized during the orientation period
and beyond. This includes the pursuit of
further academic education and facilitates the
process of succession planning.
Continuing Education Programs are planned on the basis
of an academic year, September through June, and unless
specified are open to all RN’s and LPN’s
on the hospital staff. Selected programs are
also open to the community.
Attendance at Staff Development Programs is strongly
encouraged since, in addition to providing information
likely to be beneficial to the nurse, it serves as
evidence of interest in her profession, which is considered
in making evaluations of personal growth.
 BACK
TO NURSING HOME
Practice
Nursing The Way It Should Be!
|
