title: The Importance of a Role-Specific, In-Hospital Ward Clerk Education Program.
abstract: Ward clerks are essential members of the healthcare team, providing administrative and organizational support to acute care units and clinics. This role influences such matters as nurses' direct patient-care time, timeliness of patient discharges, and patient safety. To support ward clerks in the varying responsibilities and complex scope of this role, a formal orientation and ongoing education program is imperative. Whereas corporate orientation informs new employees of overall organizational processes, a ward clerk-specific workplace education program prepares individuals for the demands of the position, ultimately supporting the healthcare team and patient safety.
authors.affiliation: a Nursing Professional Practice Department , The Ottawa Hospital , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada ; Quality, Patient Safety and Risk Management , Bruyére Continuing Care , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.
authors.forename: Maggie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kennedy
keywords: Competence development; patient safety; role-specific orientation; ward clerk; workplace training