Nursing professional development: recommendations for organizational success

The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is a world-renowned specialty hospital and a nationally-ranked leader in orthopedic and rheumatologic care. HSS stakeholders recognize that continuing education and professional development for nurses are essential to achieving positive patient outcomes and organizational success. In keeping with its organizational commitment to excellence and the highest industry standards, a Capstone team was charged with assessing and evaluating HSS’s current Professional Development and Continuing Education Program. With the goal of providing best practice recommendations, the team researched evidence-based literature, explored practices of leading institutions, and evaluated HSS staff through surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The team’s final recommendations provided the most efficient and effective processes to meet the needs of HSS’s nursing staff and administrators.