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This research examines word-of-mouth (WOM) promotions as an additional consequence of a successful cause-related marketing (CRM) partnership. Firms properly aligned in CRM partnerships should increase positive feelings that can translate into positive WOM from the public. WOM efforts should be considered in marketing campaigns to develop successful long-term CRM strategies. Additionally, carefully planned CRM campaigns with positive WOM give firms a competitive advantage without the backlash of consumer skepticism often reported when firms attempt to manipulate WOM campaigns. This study is grounded in associative learning theory which provides support for the strengthened associative links between firm and charity when the relationship is properly aligned. This empirical study suggests that strategically aligned CRM relationships can improve positive WOM recommendations. Results of ANOVA and factor analysis indicate that consumers are more receptive to CRM partnerships that consist of compatibility between firm and charity that persist over time. Results suggest that consumers are more likely to recommend the more properly aligned partnerships to others.

Simulation learning provides medical and nursing personnel with the opportunity to develop and refine their skills without putting patients at risk. Faced with ensuring the competence of a large number of new staff members, the management team at one facility implemented a simulation training program. Surgical team members are able to participate in an ongoing program of simulated scenarios involving surgical drape fires and airway fires, cardiac arrest of patients in the supine position and prone position, respiratory depression in the postanesthesia care unit, and malignant hyperthermia. The simulations help OR staff members identify problems that can happen during real emergencies and help them work as a team to prepare for events that may represent life-threatening situations for patients.

In 2010, nurse educators at one health care facility implemented a new program that emphasized placing new graduates in specialty areas, including the hemodialysis unit, the gastroenterology unit, and the OR. Managers in the OR faced staffing challenges because of the difficulty in recruiting and retaining experienced perioperative nurses and the expected retirement of a significant number of staff members. Surgical services managers agreed to participate in the new graduate program and decided to use AORN's Periop 101™ course and a series of monthly simulation training sessions to supplement the program and provide recently graduated nurses with a strong perioperative nursing foundation. In three years, a total of nine newly graduated RNs successfully completed the program. The three-year retention rate was 78%.

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