Canadian Neurological Scale: Training for Trainers Workshop
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
The Canadian Neurological Scale: Training for Trainers Workshop is a workshop designed to
teach educators how to implement the Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS) in their organization.
The CNS is a validated and recommended tool for assessing and monitoring the neurological
status of stroke clients.
The CNS Teaching Package consists of a coordinator and speaker package and is meant to be
adapted for regional practice. The teaching package consists of six key components:
 A PowerPoint presentation that outlines how to implement the CNS in an organization.
 A PowerPoint presentation that outlines the history and advantages of the CNS, describes the
components of the scale in detail, and reviews the scoring of the scale.
 A procedure for how to use the CNS Record. The procedure defines key terms and outlines the
steps that need to be followed to complete the record. The procedure is presented in a generic
format to allow organizations to adapt it according to organization-specific requirements.
 Two documentation templates for recording the CNS in the patient care record that can be
adapted to meet the needs of the organization:
 One with the CNS scale and bar graph for trending the CNS results.
 One with the CNS scale, vital signs, and pupil size and reaction.
 A video that reviews how to perform the CNS, demonstrates motor weakness grading, and
provides five patient simulations for testing inter-rater reliability using the CNS.
 A Reference Sheet that can be used as a teaching aid or as a reference for staff to assist to
perform the CNS.
The Speaker Package has been developed to assist the speakers in preparing for the workshop
and includes PowerPoint presentations and speaker notes. It is intended that the speakers adapt
the content for local course participants and as evidence changes. However, Heart and Stroke
Foundation logos, style guides and branding must not be altered or removed. For example, it is
acceptable to add another hospital's logo, but the Heart and Stroke Foundation logo cannot be
removed. References to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care or Ontario Stroke System
must not be removed. Any acknowledgements that are part of the package must also stay in
place.
The Coordinator Package has been developed to assist the workshop coordinator to plan the
workshop.
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TARGET AUDIENCE
Clinical educators, RNs or RPNs, CNS preceptors, Clinical Practice Leaders, Clinical Nurse
Specialists, and allied health professionals working with acute stroke clients as well as
individuals who will be training staff to use the CNS scale.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will:
 Understand the background information and evidence regarding the Canadian Neurological
Scale.
 Engage in hands-on practice using the Canadian Neurological Scale through small group
learning situations and simulated patients.
 Develop inter-rater reliability using patient scenarios.
 Provide suggestions, guidance and resources for implementing the Canadian Neurological
Scale within organizations.
 Train educators and resource staff how to use the Canadian Neurological Scale.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS
Type of
Resource
Workshop
Supplements:
Speaker
Package;
Coordinator
Package;
Video
Length
Facilitators
Speakers
4 ½ hours
Workshop
facilitated by
the regional
education
coordinator
Clinical
Nurse
Specialist or
Educator
Participants
Cost
Staff working
See below
with acute stroke for sample
clients:
budget
Clinical
educators, RNs,
RPNs, CNS
preceptors,
Clinical Practice
Leaders, Clinical
Nurse Specialists,
CNS trainers,
allied health
professionals
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SAMPLE BUDGET
Based on 60 participants for a four-hour workshop
Catering/Facility Rental (breakfast)
$1,200
Printing
$225
Supplies
$125
Honoraria ($150/speaker)
$600
Mailing (x2)
$75
Audiovisual Rental
$400
Administration Fees (30 hrs. @ $20/hr) registration, mailing, printing, participant packages, etc. $600
Total Expenses (including taxes)
$3,225
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