Putting the action into learning: the experience of an action learning set.
As part of a practice development initiative the nursing staff of a special care nursery unit chose to begin an action learning set. The set was established to enable nursing staff to participate in a learning activity which focused on personal as well as team development. This was facilitated by a practice development nurse (researcher) who although not part of the nursing team, worked within the unit on a supernumerary basis throughout the study period. The set members identified and explored issues from clinical practice through a process of questioning, reflection, and challenging one another with an aim to improving the care delivered to patients and their families. This paper describes the process involved in establishing the set and the journey the set has taken since its inception in May 2002. The main areas covered in this paper include an overview of the practice development initiative, a brief outline of action learning including the processes involved, how the set was established, what it is like to be a set member, the development of skills and knowledge, the personal growth that has resulted from participation, and how the set is being evaluated.
School of Nursing, Monash University. val.wilson@med.monash.edu.au
Valerie
V
Wilson
Patricia
P
Keachie
Marion
M
Engelsmann
D001315:Australia; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D009729:Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation