Editorial

Article Outline

• Copyright

“It's an educational issue!” How many times as leaders have we heard this said, or said this ourselves. We all know the importance of education in our dynamic healthcare environments, yet the education budget is the first to be cut. How can we educate new nurses in basic content, pathphysiology, technical skills, theory and, by the way, teach them to think critically? The theme of this issue is staff development with emphasis on technology enhancements such as simulation training, online education, and critical thinking (Table 1).

Table 1. Quality and Patient Safety Organizations

NAINR columns in this issue start with Dr. Carole Kenner's leadership on international practices, this time highlighting Neonatal Staff Development in Thailand by authors Priscilla Soontornchai and Tipkamon Still. Jackie McGrath's Family dynamics Column highlights the importance of families with co-author Brenda Baker. Dawn Nahlen keeps us up-to-date with her quarterly News flash of hot topics in the news (available on-line at www.NAINR.com) Peggy Eichel again allows us academic entertainment through the use of word searches and crosswords (answers also available online at www.NAINR.com).

The first article reviews the development of an innovative Online Neonatal Orientation Program and discusses the costs and benefits of such a program. Norma Beyer shares an article titled “Creative Educational Methodologies.” This article discusses how experiential learning provided by simulation is designed to support and enhance information presented in didactic courses. Our third article is by Liz Drake and Renee Berg from the Children's Hospital of Orange County at Mission Hospital, who write about the transformation of their clinical ladder program. Dr Patricia Selig will share three articles that were outcomes from an exciting new evidence-based fellowship program. Dr Susan Ellerbee's article Artistic View of Posters reveals an innovative way to reach audiences through the creation of poster presentations. Joann Sullivan-Mann's quantitative study shows the effects of simulation on nursing students' critical thinking scores. Altimier et al will explore an intensive educational program related to infection control issues in a neonatal intensive care unit. Tracy Burch will finish this issue with a look at incorporating critical thinking into staff nurses' orientation process.

As health care costs continue to increase, coupled with our complex neonatal population, the topic of education has garnered national attention. Limiting variations in educational content is essential to assure quality and to instill a culture of safety.