Nursing

Ask the expert: Don’t forget to train senior leadership

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, September 22, 2009

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This week, a reader asks about best practices for training senior leadership. Read the response from Cheryl A. May, MBA, BSN, BA, director of nursing research and professional practice at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC.

Q: Our senior leadership is enthusiastically supportive of our effort to achieve ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® (MRP) designation, but we know we still need to provide education and training about the process. What are best practices for training senior leadership?

A: Be flexible in scheduling the training for leadership. Staff leaders have little free time, so do what is best for them, even if it means changing your own schedule. Note that these people learn quickly and will not need much time to grasp important concepts. Therefore, try to get the initiative on their regular agenda(s)—doing so will enable you to give them updates on the progress of education and will provide them with important information they will need (especially during the site visit phase, as appraisers want to speak with staff at all levels of the organization.) Most leaders will appreciate your consideration of their busy schedules.

Also ask these leaders to be present for at least some of the training sessions that include their staff. When leaders themselves participate, they send a powerful message about the importance of MRP education.

Editor's note: Do you have a question for our experts? If you would like us to consider your query for publication, please e-mail it to senior managing editor Rebecca Hendren at rhendren@hcpro.com.



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