title: The Conference Facilitator Model: Improving the Value of Conference Attendance for Attendees and the Organization.
abstract: Healthcare leaders face a multitude of priorities demanding their attention and resources, from patient, employee safety and hospital-acquired conditions to predicting future revenue in the context of healthcare reform. Assessing value requires balancing outcomes and experience with cost. How does allocating funds for professional nursing conferences measure up? What is a valid return on investment when we send staff nurses to professional conferences, specifically the annual Magnet® conference? The following article describes how Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center answered these questions and redefined the expectations for conference attendees while enhancing the experience and the reportable outcomes for practice and the organization.
authors.affiliation: Author Affiliations: Director Family Relations (Ms Nebrig), Access Services & Family Relations, Clinical Program Manager (Ms Munafo), Education Associate (Ms Goddard), and Director Professional Programs and Magnet® (Dr Tierney), Center for Professional Excellence, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio.
authors.forename: Dawn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nebrig
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Munafo
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goddard
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tierney
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003226:Congresses as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017145:Models, Educational; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D009820:Ohio; D011209:Power, Psychological