New Staff Development Nurse

[Mimstwins]

Hi All,

I am soon starting a new position as Director of Staff Development in an LTC facility. I'm an RN with several years of experience in LTC and I've always been interested in the staff development role. I'm excited and nervous about this transition. I was wondering if anyone in LTC management would be willing to share some advice or tips on what are the most valuable qualities or behaviors you look for in a staff development nurse. I want to succeed make a contribution to improving the quality of care at our facility.

Have you worked with a great staff development coordinator? What was it that they did or what qualities did they have that made them valuable to your team? Are there any special challenges that I should be aware of? If you've worked with a lousy SDC, what was it about their work that didn't measure up to your expectations? I have a detailed job description, so I'm aware of what the position entails. However, I am motivated and I want to go above and beyond.

I'd appreciate any wisdom you could offer.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

The best SDCs make the learning fun and don't hesitate to jump in and help when the other nurses are in the weeds. Let's face it, there really isn't anything interesting about blood-borne pathogens but you can make it fun...we did Infection Control Jeopardy and people were actually waiting to participate. Come up with something new and you'll do fine

[anthonyb9634]

Having had worked in the Staff Development Dept. at a 650 bed LTC facility for many years, I taught the NA training class, wrote the mandatory in-services and trained new nurses. Loved every minute of it. My advice is know OBRA and the F-tags and make sure new Nurses know the rationale for almost all of your facilities policies are based on them. Break it down resident rights, quality of life, quality of care etc. It takes some time but you can't really be effective in your role if you don't know the rules. As the person who will be orienting new staff (some straight out of nursing school) get them started with good med administration habits right off. No scissors or personal drinks on the cart, lock med cart, wait one minute btw inhalers, hand hygiene.... State it as fact this is how we do things here. Nurses emulate Nurses they respect. The Nurse who oriented me over twenty years ago made such an impression about having good habits it has never left me. The very first and most important lesson you should teach though is resident rights. The residents are the number one priority encourage them to never lose that focus. Also if you are going to be in staff development read up on the Dunning-Kruger effect. It helps when you have those arrogant Nurses who won't accept accountability because they are always right. Finally at the end of the day remember most of a Nurse's education is heuristic. Have fun you are going to love it.