The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Vol. 35 No. 6 November/December 2004
By Debra A. Cavanaugh, RNC, BSN; Anita L. Huse, RN, MSN, EdD
ABSTRACT
The shortage of nurses has reached crisis proportions around the world. In response to a critical shortage of qualified neonatal intensive care nurses, one institution developed an educational program so comprehensive that they were able to increase their nursing staff by 20% and staff the neonatal intensive care unit with well-prepared and proficient nurses. This strategy has also resulted in high retention rates, a decrease in overtime, and a relatively low error rate by new nurses.
AUTHORS
Ms. Cavanaugh is Clinical Educator, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Tufts-New England Medical Center and The Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Huse is Staff Member, Nursing Education Department, Tufts-New England Medical Center and The Floating Hospital for Children, and Owner, Huse Healthcare Educational Consultants, Boston, Massachusetts.
Address correspondence to Anita L. Huse, RN, MSN, EdD, 15 Ohio Avenue, Wilmington, MA 01887.
