Integration of theory and practice in learning mental health nursing

This article describes an action research project that aimed at a better integration of theory and practice in the education of mental health nursing students. Two partners, an institute of nursing and health care and a university hospital, collaborated to develop a new educational programme for mental health nursing. The blocks of theoretical studies were implemented simultaneously with practical training, and the theory content was taught by nursing teachers as well as by nurse practitioners who worked on the teaching wards. In addition, the students had their own personal nurse-preceptors on the wards. The nurse managers were responsible for the educational level of the teaching wards and the director of nursing planned the teaching arrangements together with the nursing teachers. In all, the project involved over 50 different actors and several researchers. The results are encouraging: all the participants - students, preceptors, nurse managers and nursing teachers - found the project rewarding and they want to continue to develop and improve the level of teaching and learning in mental health nursing education. All the participants grew and developed professionally during the project.     

培养护理创新人才的社会系统观

21世纪中围护理事业的发展需要培养和造就大批护理创新人才．培养护理创新人才是护理创新教育的系统工程。从学校内部来看，护理创新教育需要护理教育创新和先进的大学化。护理教育创新是通过建立和实施护理创新人才的培养目标及教学计划来完成的。要求在师生互动的基础上，开展课堂教学内容、方法、手段和评价体系等方面的教育创新；把课外活动的目的定位在培养学生创新的人格品质、化修养等综合素质方面；把在校期间的社会实践作为培养和检验学生智力、知识、思维方法．个性、动机和环境适应等5个创新要素的重要途径。从学校外部来看，护理创新人才的评价标准应与社会评价标准相一致。     

An exploration into the role of humour in the nursing student-nurse teacher relationship

Nurse teachers can often find themselves in various situations where they resort to using humour. An exploration of the role of humour within the educational relationship between nurse teachers and nursing students is the focus of this paper. Consideration is given to the nurse teachers' requirement to develop self-awareness in their own understanding of humour in order to facilitate and recognize the reasons for the nursing students' use of humour. The development of the appropriate use of humour by nursing students may lead to enhanced nursing practice, thereby reinforcing the need for inclusion of the theory of humour in both teacher training and the nursing curriculum.     

Advanced psychiatric nursing education in Britain

This paper examines the British provision for advanced education in psychiatric nursing. Information was derived from a review of the literature, personal contacts with nurse educationalists, and an undergraduate project supervized by the author. After operationally defining advanced education, the paper describes courses at pre- and post-registration levels. These include degree, diploma, clinical, educational and managerial courses. The psychiatric component of nursing degree courses is also considered. Current provision is critically discussed and compared with similar courses for general nurses and educational provision abroad. The paper analyses how and why the current situation has occurred and the effects of current provision on psychiatric nursing practice. The paper concludes with proposals for future developments. These include recommendations for higher education based courses and consideration of a single register of nurses.     

Issues in the socialisation process of the male student nurse: implications for retention in undergraduate nursing courses

Although the number of males who choose nursing as a career is increasing, there is evidence to suggest that attrition rates are significantly high. This paper presents a review of the literature that focuses on highlighting those factors thought to impinge on the educational experience of the male nursing student. The discussion begins by illuminating the problems experienced by males who choose a profession where the traditional gender role is female. From this, the implications for nurse educators and strategies for facilitating the retention of male students in nursing courses are discussed. In particular, focus is given to the fact that nurse educators have the tendency to isolate male nursing students both in the educational and clinical setting. From this, it is highlighted that continued efforts need to be applied in relation to dispelling traditional nurse role stereotypes if the goal of retaining male nursing students is to be realised.     

The learner-centredness of two registered general nursing and two registered mental nursing courses as perceived by third-year nursing students

Using the conceptual framework of the Nottingham Andragogy Group, two first-level British courses in general nursing and two in psychiatric nursing were studied to investigate their degree of perceived learner-centredness. Boydell's Scale for Measuring the Learner-Centredness of a Course was administered to a non-random sample of all 172 third-year students at three schools of nursing. Preference for learner-centred nursing education was investigated using Boydell's Preferred Teaching Style Rating Scale with the student sample and by 31 nurse teachers. Results indicated that first-level nursing courses were perceived to be highly teacher-centred in terms of planning, direction, sequence, pace and evaluation of learning. The climate of learning proved to be moderately learner-centred though teacher-student relationships were perceived as formal. Variety of learning approach was seen as limited with a tendency towards positivism rather than relativism of knowledge. Both students and teachers of nursing expressed a slight preference for teacher-centred courses despite the former's dissatisfaction with lack of participation in determining learning objectives. Significantly greater perceived learner-centredness of a psychiatric course was attributed to variations in the philosophy of learning within a particular school rather than to the course per se.     

A proposed framework for evaluation of support courses in a nursing curriculum

Evaluation of nursing educational programmes has received increased attention since the early 1970s. Many evaluation models have been proposed; they are intended for evaluation of the total educational programme, but provide little evidence on the relevancy of the support courses to nursing practice. This paper describes one nursing school's experience in evaluation of a support course. The nature and sources of problems and difficulties encountered during the evaluation process are also discussed. The authors propose a framework for evaluation of support courses in a nursing curriculum. This framework is an application of the Glaser, Stufflebeam and Stake models of programme evaluation. It is designed to assist nurse educators to strive for sound curriculum decisions.     

The implications of Project 2000 and the formation of links with higher education for the professional and academic needs of nurse teachers in the United Kingdom

A national study was conducted between 1991 and 1994 to explore and describe the changing role of the nurse teacher following the introduction of Project 2000 pre-registration nursing courses. Multiple methods were used to collect data from a wide variety of respondents (nurse teachers, midwife teachers, clinical nurses, health service managers and higher education lecturers). This paper presents the findings relating to the impact of Project 2000 and the move into higher education on the continuing educational needs of nurse teachers. Views on college strategies for staff development, the changing nature of teachers'academic and professional development needs and the problems of the conflicting demands experienced are reported. The research highlights the need for clinical credibility to be clearly defined in relation to nurse teachers and for educational institutions to place more emphasis on teachers'clinical development if the rhetoric of policy is to become a reality.     

Forensic nursing education in North America: Social factors influencing educational development

In the mid 1990s, some of the first formal forensic nursing educational programs were established. Now more than a decade later, courses exist at educational levels from certificate to doctorate programs, with little educational research having been conducted. This recent study explored forensic nursing knowledge as a specialty area of study and factors influencing educational development. This paper reports on social factors that facilitated and impeded educational development in the forensic nursing specialty from the perspective of forensic nurse educators in North America. Changing attitudes to previously sanctioned professional roles in society provided discussion for implications for forensic nursing practice.     

组建专科护理教师队伍的做法与体会

目的探讨新形势下专科护理教师队伍建设的可行性。方法根据学历、资历、职称、专科知识考核成绩、临床工作经验及沟通交流和语言表达等方面的能力,从护理骨干中选拔出18名护士组建专科护理教师队伍。对教师进行集中培训,规范教学行为。开办专科护理培训班,提供机会锻炼护理教师的教学能力。结果新护士理论授课教师和护理操作带教教师教学能力总体评价为优良。80．00％以上的新护士理论和技能考核成绩达到舳分及以上,及格率达100．00％。结论组建专科护理教师队伍有利于专科护理人才的培养,促进学科的建设和发展。     

Universities and nursing education

Trends reflected by Department of Health and Social Security statistics on the nursing workforce are examined and the ratios between grades discussed. Recruitment into nursing degree courses in the UK is considered in relation to overall recruitment into nursing.
The somewhat ambiguous position of nursing degree courses in the UK leads into consideration of policy statements by the universities and the nursing profession. The importance of such policies is emphasized in the current financial climate, as are the potential contributions of university departments to professional debate, for example standards of care.
Comparisons are drawn between the goals of courses involving full-time studentships as opposed to part–time apprenticeships and the present boundaries between these noted, especially in relation to the expanding roles of courses.
On–going research into the preparation of nurse–tutors in the UK is mentioned, together with a preliminary analysis of the academic basis in the biological sciences possessed by learners and tutors. Out of this is derived a suggestion that the present–day shortage of nurse teachers could be helped by varying the existing patterns of recruitment, especially involving subject specialists in the biological, behavioural and social sciences.     

Issues surrounding educational preparation for intensive care nursing in the 21st century.

Major changes in intensive care provision, nursing and nurse education over the last ten years mean that it is a crucial time to take a look at the effectiveness of the post-registration intensive care nursing course [ENB 100]. This article examines whether nurse education is able to meet the current and future challenges. A call for more research regarding the effects of nurse education courses on participants' clinical practice is advocated. Key factors examined include teaching and learning strategies, the identification of common threshold core and specific competencies, and the assessment of practice. Post-registration assessment of practice within the writers' own educational institution is evaluated. Valid and reliable assessment which differentiates between the level of skills attainment of students and identifies the stage of development of the nurse (Benner 1984) is recommended. The question of who benefits from the current provision of ENB 100 courses is considered. It is argued that clinical and educational staff should work together to ensure nurses who undertake ENB 100 courses emerge 'fit for purpose' (DoH 1997a).     

The diversity of critical care nursing education in Australian universities.

A range of critical care nursing educational courses exist throughout Australia. These courses vary in level of award, integration of clinical and academic competence and desired educational outcomes; this variability potentially leads to confusion by stakeholders regarding educational and clinical outcomes. The study objective was to describe the range of critical care nursing courses in Australia. Following institutional ethics approval, all relevant higher education providers (n=18) were invited to complete a questionnaire about course structure, content and nomenclature. Information about desired professional and general graduate characteristics and clinical competency was also sought. A total of 89% of providers (n=16) responded to the questionnaire. There was little consistency in course structure in regard to the proportion of each programme devoted to core, speciality or generic subjects. In general, graduate certificate courses concentrated on core aspects of critical care, graduate diploma courses provided similar amounts of critical care core and speciality content, while master's level courses concentrated on generic nursing issues. The majority of courses had employment requirements, although only a small proportion specified the minimum level of critical care unit required for clinical experience. The competency standards developed by the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN) were used by 83% of providers, albeit in an adapted form, to assess competency. However, only 60% of programmes used personnel with a combined clinical and educational role to assess such competence. In conclusion, stakeholders should not assume consistency in educational and clinical outcomes from critical care nursing education programmes, despite similar nomenclature or level of programme. However, consistency in the framework for speciality nurse education has the potential to prove beneficial for all stakeholders.     

Perceptions, orientation, and transition into nursing practice of accelerated second-degree nursing program graduates

This study discusses factors that influence newly graduated accelerated second-degree nursing students to remain at the bedside. It also identifies areas for improvement within the program curriculum to better prepare these unique nursing graduates for the transition into nursing practice. Twenty-nine graduate second-degree nursing students were surveyed 3 months after graduation from an accelerated second-degree nursing program. Key findings indicated that preceptorship within nursing courses and orientation programs was the most significant factor in preparing the graduates for the transition from student nurse to registered nurse. Also important to the successful transition into practice was the acceptance and support of the nursing staff on the clinical unit. The participants overwhelmingly cited preceptorships, at both the student nurse and recent graduate levels, as critical to preparing them for the transition from student nurse to registered nurse.     

整体护理观在护理专业学生技能训练中的应用研究

目的:研究整体护理观对护生实习前技能训练的影响。方法:研究对象为高职护理专业4个班的学生248人,随机分成实验组和对照组各124人。对照组采用传统的训练方法,实验组采用整体护理观指导下的训练方法,训练时间为4周。训练结束后,比较两组护生的技能考试成绩,并采用问卷调查临床带教教师的评价。结果:实验组的技能成绩高于对照组;临床带教教师评价结果,实验组护生在操作能力、沟通能力、礼仪修养、应变能力、适应能力、服务态度、专业态度维度及总均分均高于对照组(P0.01,P0.05)。结论:整体护理观指导下的护理技能训练模式培养了护生以操作能力为首的综合能力。     

Infusing gerontological nursing content into advanced practice nursing education

The inclusion of gerontology content in the nursing curriculum is paramount as our population of older adults grows. As one of 10 recipients of the John A. Hartford Foundation/AACN awards for Enhancing Gerontological and Geriatric Nursing Education for Advanced Practice Nursing Programs, we successfully integrated gerontological/ geriatric content throughout core courses for all concentrations taught at the master's level. The Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist Competencies for Older Adult Care were used as a guide to integrate gerontological nursing content across the core courses. We present examples of content, strategies, and evaluation methods that demonstrate infusion of gerontology in a nursing theory course, research course, and healthcare law and policy course. Twenty-two of the competencies are addressed in these core courses and provide a foundation for further development in the support and specialty courses for the nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nursing administrator, nurse educator, and nurse anesthetist. We also present helpful Web-based resources for older adult care.     

Teachers of nursing in the United Kingdom: a description of their attitudes.

A survey in which 2923 registered teachers of nursing completed questionnaires produced 956 questionnaires on which teachers provided additional comment about their jobs. Whilst the attitudes of the different types and grades of teacher varied somewhat, there appeared to be a common core of dissatisfaction or concern. All groups in their way expressed concern about a perceived decline in the status of nurse teaching. This decline reduced the amount of control that teachers had over the educational process—reducing numbers of teachers and hence the ability to provide adequate direct teacher-learner contact; the chance to plan and carry out an ordered sequence of educational experiences and the ability to control the total educational function. Possible changes in the future educational structure were viewed with caution as such changes were seen as needing increased resources.     

Impact of debt on nursing students in higher education

This article examines some of the financial problems faced by nursing students in higher education and outlines current debates among politicians and educational institutions. It includes a discussion of nurse education in the four countries of the U.K., the effects of offering diploma and degree courses, attrition rates, bursaries, job security, potential problems caused by an ongoing crisis of funding in the NHS and its effects on the future of nursing.     

Nursing education in the private sector

With perhaps some minor variations, it can be claimed that colleges/schools of nursing have viewed their raison d'etre as providing education for pre-registration students of nursing The particular philosophy of the college would determine whether or not in-service education and post basic courses figured highly as educational priorities Whether pre- or post-registration, colleges have been their remit almost entirely within statutory frameworks With the advent of Project 2000 many schools/colleges amalgamated in order to provide multiple branches of nurse education However, anticipated numbers of entrants to nursing have not always materialized and we are now led to believe that revised staffing ratios will result in decreasing numbers of qualified nursing staff Faced with decreased numbers of recruits to nursing, colleges of nursing can undergo even larger amalgamations or look elsewhere for some of their business While nurse education should always be the central focus of colleges of nursing, the time has now come when we must sell our wares in a much wider marketplace Consideration should be given to mounting multi-disciplinary courses within the health professions and to providing skills to other professions Short courses, for instance on child abuse, could be provided for teachers in primary and secondary education While recognizing a vast range of potential customers, this paper confines itself to education within the private sector     

Perceptions of research utilization: comparisons between health care professionals, nursing students and a reference group of nurse clinicians

The study reported in this paper was carried out to investigate a group of nursing teachers' (n=37), nursing students' (n=166), nursing administrators' (n=33) and physicians' (n=127) perceptions of barriers to and facilitators of nurses' use of research findings in clinical practice. The results were compared with the corresponding figures for a reference group of nurse clinicians (n=237). The Barriers Scale and a questionnaire for the demographic issues were used for data collection. The organization and the communication of research were seen as barriers to research utilization by the nursing teachers, students and administrators in agreement with the nurse clinicians. The nurses' research-related competence and awareness were seen as barriers by the nursing teachers, students and administrators to a greater extent than by the nurse clinicians themselves. The physicians perceived barriers to a lesser extent than the other groups did. The students' perceptions were closest to the nurse clinicians, while the physicians' perceptions differed most. Education to increase the nurses' knowledge of research and to develop their competence to evaluate research results, increased resources for education, more staff, support from the administration and research presented in a user-friendly way were the most frequently suggested facilitators. The nurses' isolation from knowledgeable colleagues with whom to discuss the research was seen as a barrier by the majority of the participants. This indicates a need for positions in clinical practice for nursing researchers, in order to promote a research-based, nursing practice.