Where can I find resources to teach nurses critical thinking and documentation skills?
Monday January 5, 2009
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I’m the staff development coordinator for a 90-bed SNF/rehab facility. My nurses desperately need to learn good documentation and critical thinking skills. Most speak a foreign language as their primary language. The majority of them are licensed practical nurses who function as charge nurses. We have only one RN per shift who is the nurse supervisor. Any suggestions where I should start?
Carol
There are many good resources for these topics through online and print sources as well as skilled trainers and consultants, depending on your needs and budget.
Nursing Spectrum Continuing Education has two documentation courses available: “Document It Right: A Nurse’s Guide to Charting” (http://www.nurse.com/ce/60076; 5.2 hours) and “Document It Right: Would Your Charting Stand Up to Scrutiny?” (http://www.nurse.com/ce/CE510; 1 hour). And here’s one on critical thinking: “Improving Your Ability to Think Critically” (http://www.nurse.com/ce/CE168-60; 1 hour). Nurses are able to read the content for free; the only cost is if they want to take the test and receive a certificate of completion.
Do you belong to the National Nursing Staff Development Association (http://www.nnsda.org)? That organization would be a good resource for you (whether you are a member or not — although if you’re not, you really should join). Also check with your state chapter of The National Association Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care (http://www.nadona.org) for additional resources.
Your challenge is a common one for staff development coordinators. Rather than reinventing the wheel, see what others in your position and setting have found helpful.
My best wishes,
Donna
Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek’s “Dear Donna” and author of Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional and The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career. Information about the books is available at www.nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call (800) 866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.
