Discharge planning. Implications for staff development educators.

Discharge planning is a patient right and is mandated by legislation, institutions that provide credentials, and professional organizations. This study was conducted to assess nurses' knowledge and perceptions of the roles and responsibilities in the discharge planning process. Findings of this study indicated a difference in knowledge of discharge planning between nurses who have earned an associate degree and nurses who have earned a bachelor's degree. Staff development educators may use this information to justify and develop educational programs concerning discharge planning.