In our most recent Specialty Spotlight, get to know Kelly Bugos, MS, RN, ANP-BC, NPD-BC, AOCNP, director for professional development and the APP Fellowship at Stanford Health Care.

When meeting their annual mandatory education and competency requirements became a persistent challenge, the NPD team at Jefferson Abington and Lansdale Hospitals knew they had to find a new way. Instead of requiring nurses to complete these tasks during already busy clinical shifts and outside of work hours, they decided to implement a mandatory education and competency day. Staff satisfaction went up and compliance reached 100%.

When LPNs were introduced to the acute care setting, the nursing professional development (NPD) team saw the need to create a program that would empower and educate them. Not only did 93% of the LPNs who participated report that the classroom and simulation experiences were helpful in their professional practice, but the LPNs skills were measurably improved and one medical-surgical unit decreased its vacancy rate and was able to eliminate the need for travel nurses.