Courses and Programs

New employees are provided with a variety of orientation opportunities:

• ORIENTation EXPRESS: This two-day classroom training is for new full-time employees.
• Nursing Orientation to Clinical Excellence: This two-day classroom and skills competency training is for RNs and LVNs new to the Health System.
• Self-study Orientation: Printed orientation for new part-time employees or former Health System employees returning to employment within one year of leaving.
• Orientacion en Espanol: This one-day classroom training is for new employees who prefer to receive the information in Spanish.
• Departmental Orientation: One-on-one standardized orientation by the supervisor or the supervisor's designees taking place over the first 30 days of employment.

Learning Resources offers American Heart Association CPR classes to its employees, housestaff and volunteers. Health Care Provider, Heartsaver and instructor courses are offered. Call the Learning Resources Department to see which course is right for you. Course textbooks are available through the Learning Resources Department.

American Heart Association ACLS Provider and Renewal Classes are offered to UHS employees and housestaff. ACLS Provider textbooks are available through the Learning Resources Department for $25. Cards ($2.50) must also be paid for before attending class.

New Directors
Newly hired or promoted departmental directors are matched with a seasoned UHS director for this structured, competency-based program. Protégés will be guided through 13 competencies during their first 90 days of employment. Mentors will also serve as confidential sounding boards, facility tour guides, cheerleaders, and advocates to shorten the learning curves for these important leaders.

New Administrative Professionals
Newly hired or promoted administrative professionals are matched with a seasoned UHS administrative professional for this structured, competency-based program. Protégés will be guided through 7 competencies and 13 checklists during their first 3-6 months of employment. Mentors will also serve as confidential sounding boards, facility tour guides, cheerleaders, and advocates to shorten the learning curves for these important members of the UHS team.

Audioconferences on topics ranging from infection control or environmental services issues to clinical care focuses, such as diabetes, are held on-site and free of charge every month.

The UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
The office of continuing medical education at the UT Health Science Center has information on the courses and conferences it offers for continued medical education credit. Their number is (210) 567-4491.

This two-day ASIST workshop is designed for members of all caregiving groups. It is used to improve caregivers' abilities to intervene until either the immediate danger of suicide is reduced or additional assistance or resources can be accessed. Contact hours provided.

This one-day program is designed to give health professionals a comprehensive overview of organ donation. It provides nurses with the critical information about the need for donation, the various organs and tissues uses for transplantation, brain death criteria, and understanding the importance of contacting the organ and/or tissue agency early in the process. The crucial role of the nurse in the donation process is brought to light as donor families and recipients share the events of their lives. Contact hours provided.