Development and Implementation of a Perinatal Education Consortium

A Perinatal Education Consortium: Improved Resource Utilization

“…Literature Review Nelson et al (1995) described a 9-day basic orientation for nurses newly hired to perinatal care or those cross training to perinatal care. The course complemented each hospital's clinical orientation and cross training, reducing the time each hospital required for intensive didactic instruction.…”

“…A limiting factor was time because assessment indicated that a 5-day format would be most feasible. The program agenda from Nelson et al (1995) was used as a model. Committee members deliberated over the most appropriate topics and determined time allotments as shown in Table 1, which also depicts changes made since the consortium began.…”

“…In addition to a committee, an important component of the organizational structure of the program was a mechanism for encouraging MNNP members to participate. The consortium had not developed a formal method to ensure participation over time nor did it elect a board, as in the Nelson et al (1995) design. To promote involvement, the program committee created a tiered system whereby members of MNNP could become more or less involved depending on the needs of their institution.…”