Nursing department education needs assessment: implementation and outcome.

The Education Council was interested in identifying learning needs. Previous needs assessments identified topics but did not assist in prioritizing education. A survey was developed with topics selected from quality and process initiatives. To prioritize education, a measurement scale based on Patricia Benner's skill development model was utilized, asking staff to rate their knowledge from novice to expert. Education programs have been prioritized by targeting topics with the highest novice responses. This assessment has also been utilized to measure the effectiveness of education. This is accomplished by having the staff rate their knowledge of topics the following year to evaluate learning.