Creating a Relationship-Based Learning Community in a College of Nursing

Abstract

(41st Biennial Convention) Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement strategies to improve employee and student satisfaction at a Midwest, single purpose College of Nursing. Methods : Creating a healthy work environment is essential to a successful academic program. The college believes that positive relationships with colleagues and students are vital to create and maintain a healthy work environment. However, in February, 2008 employee satisfaction scores dropped from 95% to 88%. Student satisfaction was also below the expected level for the college: 77% in the Fall of 2008 and 75% in Fall of 2007. A team of faculty and staff were challenged to develop strategies to improve these satisfaction scores. Team members attended Relationship-Based Care and Reigniting the Spirit of Caring workshops and developed the Relationship-Based Learning Community (RBLC) model for the college. Subsequent interventions included retreats, monthly programs and activities for faculty and staff. The strategies focused on the main tenants of RBLC: Caring for Self, Caring for Colleagues, and Caring for Students/Families. The principles of mutual respect, transformational leadership, open and honest communication, constant and visible support, and trust in an environment of learning are woven through the college in a Relationship-Based care environment. Results : The latest employee satisfaction survey results show that 94% of faculty and staff are very satisfied in their work and the student satisfaction score is 84%, which is well above the national average of 75%. Conclusion: The results of this project support the belief that implementation of a Relationship-Based Care Learning Community has created a healthy work environment and has improved the teaching and learning environment in this college of nursing. Further research is planned to evaluate the impact of this caring learning environment on the caring behaviors of students in the clinical setting.