School at Work (SAW) is a career ladder development system that prepares entry-level employees in healthcare for advanced positions and for enrollment in local community colleges and technical schools. Its integrated delivery system (Internet, workbooks, DVDs) combines education and career development. SAW is implemented at the hospital by a site Coach (typically a hospital educator) with support from Human Resource staff.

Over the six-month program, students receive healthcare specific education developed to support HCAPHS standards and Joint Commission patient safety goals. The course applies accelerated learning principles to increase knowledge retention and address the unique needs of adult learners. For the course outline, see http://www.schoolatwork.com/info/saw_courses.asp. Concurrently, students develop an individual Career and Learning Plan (CLP) that helps them identify and achieve personal career goals through customized self-assessments, a job description database and videos, and other exercises. Target outcomes for SAW include course completion; knowledge gain; job advancement and continuing education.

For information, contact Robert Williams at 544-0103 or robert.williams@stdavids.com