Developing Interactive Continuing Education on the Web

Use of the internet in staff development and its application in helping critical care nurses to lower family stress

A systematic review evaluated use of the Internet in nursing staff development and the feasibility of using the Internet to teach critical care nurses how to help families. Use of the Internet to provide staff development had varying success. The keys to success are careful development of the program according to needs and capabilities of the users, strong education pedagogical principles, and constant evaluation for success in order to make alterations as they are needed.

E-Orientation

The reality of the nursing shortage, combined with limited education resources, requires a flexible and efficient approach to orienting experienced nurses seeking per diem or temporary employment. A solution to meet the learners' needs and maximize educational resources involves making a transition from traditional instructor-led orientation programs to an e-orientation Web-based learning methodology. To operationalize a Web-based curriculum, the nurse educator can apply the standards of practice for nursing professional development to effectively develop an e-orientation that meets the needs of administrators, the educators, and the temporary/per diem nurses.

Development of a Web-Based Genetics Institute for a Nursing Audience

The purpose of this article is to serve as a resource for readers considering the development of a web-based continuing education offering in their particular specialty areas. A theory-based instructional design using a face-to-face genetics summer institute as a content template and incorporating several levels of planned formative evaluation are described. Summative evaluation strategies revealing satisfaction with the format, improved knowledge, and ability to use genetics knowledge in participants' work setting are also discussed. Finally, lessons learned following completion of two 18-week web-based genetics institutes are shared.

Competence, Continuing Education, and Computers

A survey of RNs in South Dakota was performed to determine their perceived level of competence, the extent to which their continuing nursing education (CNE) needs are being met, and their use of computers for CNE. Nationally certified nurses rated themselves significantly more competent than nurses who are not nationally certified. Fewer than half of the RNs reported their CNE needs were being met despite geographic access to CNE and programs available in their specialty. Three-fourths of nurses had computers at home while 76% had computers at work, yet fewer than 20% of nurses used these computers for CNE.