Making the most of learning needs assessments.
Identifying learning needs of nurses is an important role of the staff development educator. However, few educators have specific training in the preparation and evaluation of a learning needs assessment. This article describes the assumptions, benefits, and potential barriers when planning a needs assessment survey. Specific strategies to maximize the benefits of the survey are shared. Competent nurses are the cornerstone of professional nursing care, and identifying and responding to learning needs through a needs assessment is a critical step in assuring competence.
University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, USA.
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Williams
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration*