title: A theoretically informed education program designed specifically for acute surgical nurses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing the Respiratory Skills Update (ReSKU) education program using integrated teaching and learning strategies, in the context of organisational utility, on improving surgical nurses' practice in the area of respiratory assessment.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Technological advances and changes in healthcare delivery have necessitated that nurse educators adopt innovative teaching and learning strategies to better prepare acute care nurses for their increasingly complex roles. This 2007 study used a robust overarching theoretical framework to develop and evaluate an educational model using the ReSKU program as a basis for the content.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted in a 400 bed regional referral public hospital, in Australia. The research was guided by the work of Forneris (2004) to operationalise a critical thinking process incorporating the complexities of the clinical context. The theoretical framework used multi-modal, interactive educational strategies that were learner-centred and participatory. These strategies aimed to engage the clinician in dynamic thinking processes in clinical practice situations guided by coaches and educators.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The construct of critical thinking in practice combined with clinical reasoning and purposeful and collective reflection is a powerful educational strategy to enhance competency and capability in clinicians.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Services Education, Acute Care, Practice Development Team, Nambour General Hospital, Queensland, Australia. beverley_duff@health.qld.gov.au
authors.forename: Beverley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Duff
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D009742:Nursing Theory; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000193:education*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000451:nursing; D013850:Thinking