Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to understand the objectives of the In-House Perinatal Education Program at BC Women’s Hospital.

Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to understand the leadership growth experiences of the In-House Perinatal Project Team.

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This presentation describes the work of a Nursing project team at BC Women's Hospital initiated to implement a Perinatal Education Program for existing nursing staff. The purpose of this project is to develop a pilot project to educate experienced obstetrical nurses within a perinatal framework, to improve nurses' understanding of their institutional colleagues' roles in the various clinical areas, to increase nurses' job satisfaction and promote career enhancement, and to enhance efficiency of human resources within the organization. Several components of this education are considered critical: the nurses would receive credit from an educational institution; their education would be paid; and their clinical practice expertise in their current clinical area would be recognized and advanced credit given. Learning needs assessments are conducted with each participant to determine their individualized learning plan to fill in gaps in knowledge and clinical experience. Furthermore, there is commitment from our organization that this project would be sustainable and ongoing for other interested staff. Successful implementation of this program requires the extensive coordination and commitment of all Program Directors, Program Coordinators, Perinatal Clinical Educators, and the Clinical Education Leader, all of whom are represented on the Project Team. The project requires a sizeable budget, which is sponsored through timely availability of funding from of our Provincial Nursing Directorate and our Chief of Nursing. A Specialized Perinatal Nursing Program currently exists at the British Columbia Institute for Technology (BCIT). BC Women's adapted the BCIT curriculum to meet the educational needs of our nurses and ensures they receive the academic credits. Many challenges exist in the inaugural program including developing staffing rotations across Clinical Programs, and finding clinical relief to release nurses to attend the education program during times of staffing shortages. Participation in the project enhances leadership opportunities thus benefiting both the individuals and the organization.