The Critical Care Consortium: Maximizing Continuing Education Dollars

Abstract

Facing the current challenges in health care delivery and tremendous changes predicted for the new millennium, educators must consider nontraditional approaches to meet the learning needs of critical care nurses. The education consortium, as described in this article, should be considered as one possible approach. Consortiums have the potential to enhance program quality, reduce costs, promote positive participant interaction, and strengthen community spirit. The consortium approach is not a panacea, but it has proven to be a successful model for critical care education.