Staff Development

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As of recently, I have began looking into staff development as a long term goal. My hospital heavily pushes for the MSN in addition to experience and I realize that getting one in Nursing Education will be best. But many of the education MSNs focus on teaching at a college or university. Are there any programs out there that include classes on staff development or "hospital teaching" in their curriculum?

Thanks in advance.

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Thought I'd chime in here. I'm a non-academic educator (for plenty-one years) .... and I can attest to the fact that it is tremendously difficult to obtain relevant education via an MSN program. This is why I ventured out to other (non-nursing) educational sources to supplement my education after I got my MSN. I think it's really sad that things still haven't changed.

Having done both, I can assure everyone that there is a TON of difference in education practice (workplace vs academic). There are a ton of employment liability issues that we have to deal with, including all the FLSA stuff that directly affects competency measures. We have to be focused on ROI at all times, so our financial acumen has to be top-notch just to keep the bean-counters from slashing our budgets. We have to be savvy about all the "people" software systems and data available ... so we can conduct high-level evaluations. Those of us who are accountable for "clinical" rather than just nursing education also have to understand all the various scopes of practice & licensure regulations for those disciplines.

Project management skills are a must - in order to manage organizational change initiatives -- they all involve staff education. Management & operational skills - because we not only have to manage our own 'business', but we have to train new managers throughout the organization. And, of course - since most healthcare organizations are heavily invested in eLearning, my educators have to know how to design & produce this type of education. I have to teach/coach them, because there aren't any courses available.

But - I LOVE it. Wouldn't want to do anything else.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

I agree with CraigB, adults are adults. I got my degree from Excelsior (MSN focus in Ed) and have worked both teaching nursing students and nursing professionals. I felt well prepared for both. I was able to design my own Capstone course so you can choose whatever you want. Good luck.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

"You can do fine if you go to a flexible program focusing on academic education. Just be sure they let you do your practicum in NPD and find a good preceptor."

I have emailed my advisor to ensure that I can do this. Hoping for a positive reply.

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