The nurse manager of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is ...

[abern]

The nurse manager of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is planning continuing education for the development of the staff. The manager is asking an expert to conduct a class regarding the newest information on developmentally appropriate care.
 
  Which outcome indicates the goal of the education has been met?
  A) The staff can set up a developmentally appropriate incubator in the classroom.
  B) The staff members state that they feel competent in providing developmentally appropriate care to their clients.
  C) The staff uses the information on the unit with a client successfully.
  D) The unit educator states that the nurses passed the written exam.

Question 2

The staff development educators require that all nurses attend an annual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) update even though the American Heart Association only requires revalidation of knowledge and skill every two years.
 
  When asked by a participant why this is a necessary, which response by the staff development educator is appropriate?
  A) Since this is a mandatory requirement that is not used on a daily basis, we need to assess your skill annually.
  B) We are required to provide a minimum number of contact hours in order to maintain our certification as educators.
  C) Your nurse manager requires this. If you disagree, you should speak directly with the manager.
  D) Why don't you want prove you can perform this mandatory requirement of your position?

[Fayaz00962]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: C

The best way to know that staff development has been effective is to see the staff use the knowledge to perform the function successfully on a client. Most nurses can demonstrate competence immediately after a lecture; the real determinant of learning is whether they can use the information in their practice. A nurse may be able to perform a procedure in the classroom but may not be able to execute it 2 weeks later with a client. Feeling competent does not necessarily mean that the nurse knows how to perform a procedure. Passing a written exam and executing a skill are two different entities; nurses may have the knowledge but not be able to perform the skill.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: A

The assessment of learning needs is the first step in the professional development process. Nurse leaders assess for knowledge and skill deficits and plan staff education and training programs to meet regulatory and accrediting body standards, such as the mandatory competency of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There are no minimum number of contact hours required to maintain certification as a staff educator. The other two responses are inappropriate and do not address the question by the attendees.