Providing for an Educational Framework:

A Way to Go for WFNN?

Paul van Keeken RN, MScN & Nicolai van der Woert MscE

Objectives• To emphasize education on the agenda of WFNN

• To explore new possibilities in education

• To explore ICT support for education

• To discuss the challenges for WFNN

• To decide how WFNN should go further on this road

• To prepare a strategic policy plan on education for the next 6 years

Current Situation• World wide high and growing numbers of patients and

enormous need for NN care

• WFNN has no policy regarding education other than congresses

• Providing an educational framework fits into WFNN’s mission

• There is no explicit WFNN vision on NN

• Curriculum documents and materials from eg AANN, ANNA, EANN, …….

• There are great ICT/internet possibilities

Resources• Curriculum for neuroscience nurses

• Competence profile

• Virtual learning environment (open source)

• Repository

• Portfolio

• Learning activity management system (LAMS)

• Patient cases

• Ward cases

• Community of practise for teachers

demo

Advantages• Discussion within WFNN about what neuroscience nursing is.

• ‘Providing learning materials gives WFNN a reason to exist’ (JD Meacham)

• Service for all members on all continents

• Creates a community of practise in NN

• Grow of WFNN as an organisation, number of membership may increase

• Exiting new areas for all of us

• Funding possibilities enhance advancement of the NN profession

• Develop once, teach many

Disadvantages• Lot of work

• First costs, return of investments comes later

• Many differences regarding culture, laws, regulations etc.

• Strong organisation is needed for change management

Strategic Choices• Decide to offer a framework for education

• Task force, mandates

• Alliances and cooperation

• Funding and sponsoring

• Education and ICT support

• Policy plan on education for the next 6 years

Points for Educational Policy Plan• Goals for 2 – 4 – 6 years

• Open a community of practise for WFNN (soon)

• Develop a project plan & communication plan (evaluation 2-4-6)

• Develop an explicit WFNN vision on NN (2)

• Fund raising (2)

• Develop a curriculum for NN (4)

• VLE, repository (4)

• Develop a WFNN policy for ongoing education, maintenance & further development (6)

• Build on an strong organisation to carry out this policy (6)