The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Vol. 37 No. 3 May/June 2006
By Cheryl Lindy, MS, RN, BC, CNAA; Peg Reiter, MS, RN, C
ABSTRACT
Staff development educators need to refine their skills in measuring the impact of education activities on the organization’s bottom line. Without this ability, when organizations are seeking to cut costs, the resources allocated to the education department are often reduced or eliminated. This article guides readers in identifying the organization’s bottom line. Basic principles of budgeting, a template to calculate the actual costs of individual education activities, and methods to measure the impact of these activities on the organization’s bottom line are included. A case study is used to demonstrate the process.
AUTHORS
Ms. Lindy is Director of Nursing & Patient Education, and Ms. Reiter is Director, Patient Safety, Quality, and Accreditation, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Cheryl Lindy, MS, RN, BC, CNAA, Director of Nursing & Patient Education, 6720 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030.
