Education topic ideas

Larry77, RN · Feb 20, 2008

Things I would be interested in:

Treatment of major burns, smoke inhalation, poisoning, chemical exposure (things you don't see on a daily basis).

Skills refreshers of equipment not used frequently (intravenous pacer, rapid infuser, Braslow cart, possibly a mock code, traction equipment.

Inservices on any newer equipment in your dept.

Another idea is to shoot an email to all your employees/coworkers asking what topics they want to learn more about.

Dorito, ASN, RN · Feb 20, 2008

You could always draft up a survey and give it to the staff to see what topic, day of the week, time would be most appropriate for them. I've found if I offer a prize drawing to staff if they fill out a survey it usually results in more survey returns. Good luck.

TriageQueen · Feb 20, 2008

I have, through the grapevine, requested ideas from other staff members r/t education topics, but unfortunately do not have the resources to offer any good prize for surveys :cry:

But I do like some of the already posted ideas, thanks!

hikernurse · Feb 20, 2008

I have, through the grapevine, requested ideas from other staff members r/t education topics, but unfortunately do not have the resources to offer any good prize for surveys
But I do like some of the already posted ideas, thanks!

Even a pair of movie tickets or a gift cert to dinner somewhere would be enough. But, an even better incentive is that the topics chosen will be chosen from what is turned in, LOL :chuckle.

We've had docs come in and explain surgeries--before, during and after--and explain specific instructions for recovery. It gives good rationales for what we do.

I like to hear other departments talk about what they do; social work, etc. Pharmacy might be interesting.

I think a mock code would be great. We're working on getting equipment to film mock codes; that way we can discuss afterwards how it went. If you do that, though, you might want to mix it up with new and experienced nurses.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 21, 2008

Some things I could suggest:

1. Review equipment rarely used: art lines, Level One rapid infuser, ext pacemekers for both adults and kids, ECMO (yes, we really did set up for ECMO in our ER - absolutely crazy night!)

2. Encourage staff to use the clinical ladders program.

3. Reward education.

4. Have staff present topics or cases that were interesting for them.

Good luck...you sound so enthusiastic - I love it.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Feb 21, 2008

Therapeutic hypothermia

Altra, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2008

Some great ideas posted here.

You could also review QA for whatever your dept. deems important, and review proper documentation

S.T.A.C.E.Y, LPN · Feb 21, 2008

I've heard of some places that have "Emergency Rounds". Staff submit serious cases that they would like reviewed, and the educator pulls the chart, presents the case with the group, reviews things that went well, things that didn't. Explains the patho of whats going on, why certain things were done. The doc can explain where they thought the case was going and why certain things were done. The followup after the pt left the ER is also presented, so the staff can have some idea of how the patient fared. Applicable equipment can be set up at the end for staff to poke around and play with, and inservices can be given during this time if needed. Ie. Delay in the giving of blood because the Level 1 didn't work.....maybe the group can be shown this during the presentation.