Using a social networking tool for blended learning in staff training: Sharing experience from practice

Advances in neonatal care has improved survival rates for critically ill and premature babies. This means that neonatal nurses are required to be proficient in a range of skills necessary to care for these babies. Adequate knowledge including clinical and critical decision making skills is key to provide this care to a high standard. Lack of neonatal nurses in England means that many units are forced to recruit nurses with little or no experience in neonatal field stretching their limits to its maximum. This article talks about the author's experience of dealing with such a situation when a massive recruitment took place in her hospital. It addresses the use of blended learning with social networking as the online learning tool in planning and implementing an induction programme for newly recruited nurses. It also looks at the benefits, challenges and safety issues of using social networking as an educational strategy.