Clinical Education
Mission Statement
“Clinical Excellence Through Knowledge” is the mission statement for the Clinical Education Department at Kaweah Health. To support the mission statement Clinical Educators and Education Coordinators in the Clinical Education Department serve the nursing staff, and other professional disciplines through orientation, in-service training, and formal continuing education courses.
Philosophy
Education opportunities are defined and developed through utilization of the “Three S Criteria”; Simplify, Standardize, and Sustain. By simplifying information and processes, errors can be reduced. Standardization decreases variation and supports consistency of care provided. When processes are sustainable, they are able to continue despite changes in personnel or systems.
Simulation Lab/Education Center
The Lynn Havard-Mirviss Education Center (LHMEC) contains the simulation lab at Kaweah Health. The center houses high fidelity simulation mannequins (infant, child, and adult) for clinical staff to practice and have their clinical performance skills validated in an atmosphere conducive to learning.
Competency Verification
The Competency Validation Skills Event is coordinated by the Clinical Education Department for each service line. Every staff member attends annually with the purpose of validating competency. Job skills and knowledge are validated through simulated activities and computerized cognitive evaluation.
The testing station selection is determined by aggregate data from Performance Improvement, Risk Management, and topics identified as high risk, time sensitive, and/or problem prone in nature. Testing stations are assigned to each staff member according to department need and job title for competency evaluation.
Department Mascot
The hedgehog is the mascot for the Clinical Education Department as it has a knack for “rolling” through difficult situations allowing them to overcome obstacles with speed and success. So as hedgehogs we are able to respond to staff needs and requests with the focus on excellence in patient care.
Nursing Education Programs
Overview
Nurses are responsible for lifelong learning to maintain and increase their competence in nursing practice. Kaweah Health (Kaweah Health) is dedicated to providing high quality education to support this goal.
Kaweah Health values of vision, integrity, caring, accountability, respect, and excellence are at the heart of all we do. These values live in an environment where education is delivered daily, as learning is essential in providing quality patient care.
As part of a commitment to continual self-improvement, consider enrolling into a class to improve your communication skills, your health, or your wellbeing. Participate in one of the wellness offerings or meet your licensing requirements by attending one of the many CE classes offered.Continuing Education Programs
Generic and specialty programs are offered throughout the year. Clinical staff has the opportunity to attend classroom programs on site and complete online learning.
Continuing Education Credit
Kaweah Health is approved as a continuing education provider by:
- The California State Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), provider number CEP1003
- CDPH: CNA and HHA provider numbers NAC6050 & F-1414
We Offer
- Frequent in-service education and competency modules by unit specific clinical educators.
- A variety of continuing education programs provides opportunity for professional growth and development.
- Nursing research is emphasized, from using clinical studies to support best practices, to nurse-supported clinical study.
Class Registration
Kaweah Health Employees: Register for courses by accessing myNetLearning from a district computer.
Non-employees: Contact Human Resources at 559-624-2274.
To ensure space availability in a class, participants are required to register at least three (3) working days prior to the start of class. In cases where pre-registration does not meet the minimum required number of participants required to conduct the class, the class will be canceled and participants notified via email and/or phone call.
Some class offerings allow registration at the door on a "space availability" basis. It is important to arrive at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the class to ensure that class time is not spent on the registration process. Classes must start on time to meet CE provider requirements.
Continuing Education Certificates
Continuing Education (CE) certificates are provided free of charge to Kaweah Health staff for attendance at approved CE courses.
Class Fees
Refund/Cancellation Policy
Refunds will be made to class participants only when the following conditions are met:
- The class session is canceled.
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Your intent to withdraw from the class is received by:
- Employees: Cancelling via myNetLearning within two business days prior to the scheduled first day of class and your class materials are returned. If you have previously transferred from one Life Support class to another you do not meet this condition.
- Non-Employees: Calling Human Resources at 559-624-2274.
Fees for continuing education are deductible for federal income tax purposes provided certain circumstances are met. Check with the Internal Revenue Service or your tax advisor for details.
Educational Team
A well-rounded team supports the clinical staff in all hospital areas. Clinical Educators are minimally BSN prepared and provide consultation or education at the bedside, in the classroom and community.
Each clinical area in the hospital has an assigned Clinical Educator who facilitates staff learning relating to immediate clinical issues and learning in anticipation of new technologies, equipment, or changes in care and practice standards.
- Competency-based orientation is offered to each new nurse, with an assigned clinical preceptor and follow-up by the clinical instructor as needed.
- Competency modules may be used to meet the nurses' need for a more flexible learning approach.
- Innovative educational strategies are used, including unit-specific competency validation events provided in a structured setting. The competency event also offers generic and unit-specific competencies.
Career Development
- Scholarships: Available to assist the nurse in pursuing higher education and taking classes related to nursing to further achieve professional goals.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Available for courses taken outside the institution, or for the pursuit of advanced degrees in the health care arena.
- Specialty Certification: Staff is encouraged to become certified in their specialty through such organizations as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and additional nursing specialty organizations.
Nursing Student Clinical Placement
Kaweah Health provides placement of students throughout the acute and post-acute facilities, and clinics.
The Division of Nursing and our entire staff of more than 1,400 RNs are committed to mentoring future nurses of our profession. Our staff hosts hundreds of nursing students and clinical faculty members each year as part of the learning continuum.
Kaweah Health is a member of the San Joaquin Valley Nursing Education Consortium (SJVNEC). For nursing student placement, please visit the website at www.sjvnec.com. This centralized site is intended to streamline the clinical placement process.
