Perceptions of the Educational Coordinator's Role in the Navy Medical Department

摘要

This report presents the results of a survey study intended to identify and compare perceptions of the Educational Coordinator's (EC) role within Navy hospitals from the perspectives of incumbents and key role-senders. Specific topics of concern were: identifying appropriate functions and organizational structure of hospital education departments; assessing the extent of EC role conflict and career concerns; identifying appropriate educational preparation for ECs; and identifying attitudes toward education and training, in general, and at each of the 31 naval hospitals studied. The sample consisted of the commanding officers, executive officers, directors of administration, directors of nursing service, and the EC at each study site. Additionally, 476 Nurse Corps officers were randomly selected form the same set of hospitals. Results showed, in general, agreement among sample subgroups regarding the appropriate functions and structure of the EC position. Currently, however, there appears to be considerable variability in educational department structure at different hospitals. The report concludes with specific recommendations for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of hospital education.