RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Continuing education is an integral part of nursing professional development and improving healthcare delivery, but literature on continuing education initiatives in low-resource settings is limited. PURPOSE: To describe the creation and integration of a nurse educator (NE) position in two Haitian hospitals and highlight barriers and facilitators experienced by the NEs in their role. METHODS: Four NEs and three support staff involved in the creation and integration of the NE positions were interviewed. Supplementary data were gathered through participant observation and document review. Data were compiled and summarized. DISCUSSION: NEs were hired to assess learning needs, evaluate skills, train and mentor nurses, and provide ongoing support to assure application of new knowledge. Barriers included lack of specialized training and limited informational resources to develop education activities, role confusion and heavy workload, poor attendance and disparate education needs of nurses, and insufficient hospital resources and support to implement practice changes. Facilitators included previous management experience, peer support, and a perception of being valued by patients and colleagues and making a difference regarding nursing care and patient outcomes. CONCLUSION: The NE is a leadership role and a promising, sustainable initiative for developing the nursing profession in Haiti.
Assuntos
Educação Continuada em Enfermagem , Docentes de Enfermagem/tendências , Descrição de Cargo , Canadá , Educação Continuada em Enfermagem/métodos , Haiti/etnologia , Hospitais/tendências , Humanos , Papel do Profissional de Enfermagem , Seleção de Pessoal/métodos , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Recursos HumanosRESUMO
The vulnerability of children in Haiti has increased dramatically since the earthquake in January 2010. Prior to the earthquake, the prevalence of orphans and at-risk children was high but since the earthquake, more than 1 million people-with more than 380,000 children remaining displaced and living in over 1200 displacement sites. These existing conditions leave orphans and at-risk children vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and increased risk of HIV/AIDS. This article will focus on the complex issues affecting orphans and at-risk children and the intersection with HIV/AIDS and human rights. Specific recommendations by United Nations Children's Fund are discussed. Nursing in Haiti must address the policy-related and population-specific approaches for the care of children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.