Background:
The National Children’s Study is a longitudinal project designed to examine environmental exposures and child health and development. More than 100,000 women will be recruited from across the United States and the children will be followed until their 21^st birthday. Orange County, California is one of 105 counties that have been selected as study sites. Women will be recruited into the study based on the neighborhoods in which they live. The current study plan requires the collection of several biological specimens during pregnancy, at birth, and throughout childhood. Hospitals in the county where the births will occur are essential collaborators in the study.  There are 20 hospitals in Orange County, CA where Study participants may deliver.  Since the delivery protocol (collection of cord blood, placenta and newborn examination) is an essential element of the study it is imperative that all perinatal nurses are informed of the study and instructed in study procedures. Education for an extremely large group such as a county of nurses is a challenge. 
Program:
Initially, two inservices will be scheduled at each birthing hospital (one on day shift and one on night shift) in Orange County, CA.  However, this method will only provide education to a fraction of the nurses on staff.  Therefore, additional education will be available through an independent study journal club.  This self-instructional program will allow staff to learn about the study and procedures on their own time and receive continuing education units for their effort.  Nurses attending the inservice are also eligible for the continuing education units. 
Method:
1.  Contract with Orange County Perinatal Council for continuing education units.  2.  Select appropriate journal article (Landrigan, et. al.)
3.  Obtain proper copyright authorization
4.  Include facility specific instructions for the protocol
5.  Develop a post test with the focus on identifying NCS participants and how to reach NCS staff
6.  Develop a method of distribution, collection of the program, and delivery of CEU
7.  Evaluate effectiveness of program
8.  Revise if needed