J Contin Educ Nurs
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Staff development educators can better control their workload and provide a more comprehensive employee education program when the organization adopts a formal five-step process that culminates in the publication of an annual employee education calendar. This article describes the five steps of organization-wide learning needs assessment, resource allocation, priority setting, documentation of the educational plan, and calendar development, including elements and timelines. ⋯ Its publication enhances staff and supervisors' awareness of learning opportunities. Its longer-range perspective assists managers and employees to better plan to meet learning needs and improves participation in staff development activities.
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Clinical Trial
Influences of patient behavior on clinical nurses' pain assessment: implications for continuing education.
Pain management is an important consideration in the promotion of patients' comfort. However, research continues to indicate patients' pain management is poor. The nursing literature cites nurses' lack of knowledge as a significant determinant of poor pain management practices. ⋯ A 10-page questionnaire with eight different patient scenarios was distributed to 886 nurses across all clinical divisions of an acute tertiary facility. Results indicate knowledge deficits regarding optimum pain relief for patients. This article highlights the need for innovative teaching strategies and approaches in the clinical context to heighten nurses' awareness of their lack of knowledge of pain assessment and management.
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Review
Learning pain assessment and management: a goal of the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium.
Relief of pain for patients requires that palliative care practitioners have knowledge and skill in both pain assessment and the use of pharmacologic and complementary therapies. ⋯ The relief of pain and suffering is consistent with the philosophy and goals of nursing as a profession and is a nursing responsibility.
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A descriptive study was used to compare ethical reasoning abilities in senior baccalaureate nursing students and experienced registered nurses. The effects of environmental factors and previous experience with ethical dilemmas in regard to nursing principled thinking were also examined. ⋯ Ethical dilemmas continue to create much confusion and uncertainty for practicing nurses. Suggestions are made regarding individual analysis of personal and professional values in nurses. In addition, recommendations include ongoing educational offerings and nursing administration support to assist nurses during times of moral distress.