A pilot program to promote professional growth for neuroscience nurses

A pilot program was developed as a strategy to increase professional growth on a neuroscience unit. The primary objective of the program was to allow staff nurses to participate in activities that interface with the neuroscience patient population. Nurses could choose an area of interest that related to their unit responsibilities. This experience provided the participants with the unique opportunity to participate in patient care from the perspective of another discipline. The staff were enthusiastic about the experience and shared it eagerly with their peers. Participants' evaluation of the program was overwhelmingly favorable. The data suggest that this program was an effective means of increasing professional growth and staff development.