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The creation and integration of a nurse educator position in two hospitals in Haiti
Author(s) -
Mahon Abbey,
Valcourt Roodeline,
Merry Lisa,
Dieudonné Fabiola,
Tuck Jodi
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
nursing forum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.618
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1744-6198
pISSN - 0029-6473
DOI - 10.1111/nuf.12246
Subject(s) - nursing , attendance , workload , nurse education , health care , position (finance) , professional development , psychology , perception , confusion , medical education , medicine , political science , business , finance , computer science , law , operating system , neuroscience , psychoanalysis
Background Continuing education is an integral part of nursing professional development and improving healthcare delivery, but literature on continuing education initiatives in low‐resource settings is limited. Purpose To describe the creation and integration of a nurse educator (NE) position in two Haitian hospitals and highlight barriers and facilitators experienced by the NEs in their role. Methods Four NEs and three support staff involved in the creation and integration of the NE positions were interviewed. Supplementary data were gathered through participant observation and document review. Data were compiled and summarized. Discussion NEs were hired to assess learning needs, evaluate skills, train and mentor nurses, and provide ongoing support to assure application of new knowledge. Barriers included lack of specialized training and limited informational resources to develop education activities, role confusion and heavy workload, poor attendance and disparate education needs of nurses, and insufficient hospital resources and support to implement practice changes. Facilitators included previous management experience, peer support, and a perception of being valued by patients and colleagues and making a difference regarding nursing care and patient outcomes. Conclusion The NE is a leadership role and a promising, sustainable initiative for developing the nursing profession in Haiti.