HELP! words of wisdom needed

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After 4 years in LTC I've been given the choice to advance to unit manager or staff development coordinator at the new place of employment that has a big need for change as well as a consistent SDC. All new management in the place. I chose the SDC position because I loooove learning and teaching as well as the flexibility it will give me while planning to start a family etc. While a staff nurse I've gone to many seminars and such on my own just for expanding my knowledge base as well as reinforcing what I know already.

I still plan on working per diem at another LTC facility to keep my floor nursing skills as well as make a lil extra $. So my problem is...I will be a novice at this, will people listen to me? I'm a younger nurse, with this inhibit my success because there is stigma related to my youthfulness/expertise despite I have "blown them away." with my clinical skills, etc. Since its a corporate company that runs the LTC facility I didn't want to jump into unit manager and I figured this would be a great way to learn the core values/expectations of the company with the possibility of further implementing them down the road if unit manager becomes available again. Words of advice, wisdom, anything welcomed please.

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Good luck with the new SDC position. You have 4 years of experience,

and are a role model for attaining continuing education on your own.

You also are keeping up your skills by the part time position at the bedside.

Take a deep breath, develop your teaching plan and dive in.

If they are not listening, they will be missing an infusion of new ideas and

concepts. Make the SD sessions something they will look forward to

and incorporate their participation by asking what topics they also

would like covered.

Best wishes to you!!

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Thank you! I've gotten feedback from one of the nurses as well as CNA's they are looking fwd to having a SDC since they have been without for a while, I'm excited!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Your age has nothing to do with it. It is like training a horse - all you have to know is more than the horse. So when you plan your activities/events you get evidence based data, conform your statements with your states NPA and your facility's policies, then take it from there. You will never be an expert on everything. Think of it as a "coordinating" job as opposed to "teaching". You will coordinate the audience, the content, the venue and the evaluation. Sometimes you may coordinate other instructors to assist in presentation. I think the fact that you are concerned means you want to do a good job so GOOD LUCK.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Congrats & welcome to the tribe (nursing staff development)!

Keep in mind that you have now made the leap to a NEW job with brand-NEW set of responsibilities that require NEW skills and knowledge. Education is a discipline - with an enormous body of knowledge. Believe me, education is a lot more than 'show me, tell me'. I would urge you to

1. Focus on the needs of the organization: Make sure that your efforts are absolutely linked to the priorities of the people who approve the budget. There is no such thing as 'academic freedom' for those of us in workplace education. The best way to ensure continued financial support for your 'non revenue' work is to make sure that it is perceived as valuable by the organization's decision-makers. . . otherwise, bad things can happen. (been there, done that. . . twice) Meet with decision makers to determine their priorities and I(in their opinion) what would a successful staff development program include.

2. Learn as much about Education-based theory & practice as you can: As a first taste, I recommend McKeachie's "Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research & Theory for College and University Teachers" . Don'tlet the name fool you.It covers the whole gamut of teaching.. including how to effectively lecture, lead discussions, guide students, etc. It also includes very good advice on avoiding legal problems that arise withion the context of education. Not very expensive, and I think it is available on Amazon. It is pretty much required reading for TAs at most univerisities...

Best of Luck! Please feel free to PM me if I can be of assistance.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I recommend you explore the field of Nursing Professional Development (and avoid spending too much time looking at resources designed for college teachers.) There is a whole specialty out there of nursing staff development ... journals devoted to the topic, certification, etc. ... a specialty that is different and separate from the specialty of teaching at the college level.

I suggest you visit the website of NNSDO (National Nurses in Staff Development Organization). They have a lot of resources, including a journal and a good, inexpensive book called something like "Getting Started in Nursing Staff Development" that you might find helpful. They also have conferences, etc. that you might be interested in ... links to the standards for staff development ... etc.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I agree with llg. NNSDO will provide many valuable resources and the network is supportive as well.

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