Supporting Professional Advancement in Nursing (SPAN)

SPAN Program participants may complete these modules at their own pace. Participants will have access to the modules for the entire time they are enrolled in the SPAN Program, and can begin with either the Balance or PATH modules. We recommend beginning with the first module in each series and progressing in order. In many instances, the content of later modules builds on concepts introduced previously, however, the participant may progress through the online learning series in any order they choose.

Balance Module 1: Work-life Balance

This module compares work-life balance with fitness and explores and working toward achieving harmony in life.

Balance Module 2: Setting Goals

This module explains how to identify goals that will help delineate ideas of personal and professional success.

Balance Module 3: Organization and Time Management

This module demonstrates tools and organizational strategies to manage tasks and schedules.

Balance Module 4: Tools and Documents for Career Progression

This module discusses how to create professional portfolios, development plans, CVs, resumes, and cover letters and the importance of these items to a career in nursing.

PATH Module 1: The Professional Practice of Nursing

This module reviews accountability for decisions made in nursing practice, practice competency, and the rolls of both peer review and scholarship in nursing.

PATH Module 2: Quality and Safety in the Workplace

This module reviews concepts such as culture of safety, errors of omission, nurse-sensitive indicators, the QSEN model, performance improvement, evidence-based practice and the role of research in nursing.

PATH Module 3: Communication and Conflict Management

This module discusses communication and workplace conflict in nursing settings, and includes topics such as crucial conversations and interdisciplinary collaboration.

PATH Modules 4: Ethical Decisions

This module focuses on ethical decision-making in nursing practice and includes topics such as the American Nursing Association Code of Ethics, ethical use of technology in the workplace, and the role of advocacy in nursing.

PATH Module 5: Leadership and Advanced Roles in Nursing

This modules goes into detail on topics such as leadership and management, delegation, becoming charge nurse, obtaining specialty certifications and advanced roles within nursing.