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A holistic approach to professional development

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, March 14, 2006

To exemplify Force of Magnetism 14: Professional development, Edward Hospital and Health Services (EHHS) has extensive programs for orientation, inservice and continuing education, and career development. Still, it's the way educators feverishly spread the word about healthy living that makes its professional development programs so different. "We took a very holistic approach to professional development," says Patti Ludwig-Beymer, PhD, RN, CTN, administrative director of education and research at the facility. Rather than simply asking how the organization could help train nurses to be better at their jobs, Ludwig-Beymer and her fellow educators also asked what they could do to help staff become healthier. From such brainstorming sessions, Ludwig-Beymer and her colleagues have put in place wellness programs that offer monthly education activities. Activities include exercise, flossing, and vegetable-eating challenges. By participating, staff receive "health bucks," or credit that can be used toward gift shop or cafeteria purchases. Employees cash in their health bucks at the end of the year, says Ludwig-Beymer.

Source: The best practice above is from The Staff Educator, January 2006, an HCPro, Inc. publication.

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