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Getting the most from consultants

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, January 23, 2007

To prepare for using a consultant during the journey to ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® designation at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon, Meryl Montgomery, RN, MSN, director, learning center, says "We found it most helpful to do our homework." In addition, she says it was helpful to

• be sure the steering committee had a good understanding of the standards
• conduct their own internal gap analysis
• attend a conference sponsored by the ANCC, a designated facility, or HCPro, Inc.
• talk with other designated facilities of a similar size and complexity, or within the state
• be sure that nurses and administration are passionate about the journey

Montgomery recommends that when assessing consultants' history of assisting organizations work toward achieving designation, it is useful to examine the consultant's expertise in acute care nursing and experience as a consultant. "It helps to talk with other organizations who have utilized this consultant to assess for style and fit," Montgomery says. She adds that it is helpful to talk with the consultant and ask about his or her approach, price structure, and the value he or she can add.

Source: Meryl Montgomery, RN, MSN

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