A clinical advancement program: creating an environment for professional growth

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Administration

Background:

• Clinical ladders are crucial for retaining expert nurses in direct patient care.
• Many institutions were discontinuing these programs, but Miami Valley Hospital re-evaluated theirs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical advancement program based on Benner's model.
• To assess the impact of the program on nurse participation and perceptions.

Main Methods:

• The study describes Miami Valley Hospital's clinical advancement program.
• Program evaluation results are presented, including participation rates and participant perceptions.

Main Results:

• Overall program participation rates have increased.
• Participants reported more positive perceptions of their work and environment compared to nonparticipants.

Conclusions:

• The clinical advancement program has successfully increased nurse engagement.
• The program positively influences nurses' job satisfaction and work environment perceptions.