A summative evaluation of productivity and accomplishments of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholars Program participants

From 2008 to 2017, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholars Program inspired, developed, and supported cohorts of next generation national leaders in academic nursing through career development awards. With support from mentors, scholars in the program created individual development plans focused on scholarship, teaching, service, and leadership. The curriculum of the scholar development program combined goals and objectives related to leadership development, enhancement of nursing education skills, and focused programs of research and scholarship. In addition, program outcomes emphasized engagement in institutional, university, and professional governance systems. This article describes and recounts findings from the program participants regarding accomplishments, productivity, and facilitators contributing to their achievement of program outcomes.     

The leadership/management role: a differentiating factor for ADN/BSN programs?

The resurgence of the ADN/BSN issue relative to educational preparation and roles and the concomitant development of positions taken by the professional associations and National Commission on Nursing pointed to the need for study of current ADN/BSN curricula and utilization of graduates. Based upon a brief historical literature review and ADN/BSN competency statements, the leadership/management role was selected for study as a possible differentiating factor between these programs. Findings from a statewide study of ADN and BSN programs and a representative sample of nurse executives indicated that an education and service dilemma exists relative to this role. The majority of ADN program directors noted that a leadership/management component should be part of ADN curricula, whereas BSN program directors did not concur. Nurse executives utilized ADN graduates in leadership/management positions and stated that length of experience was an influencing factor in selection. Numerous other findings showed a discrepancy in beliefs and practices among educators and nurse executives. This survey demonstrates the need for curriculum changes and role clarification. The leadership/management role may be a viable area for consideration.     

Clinical nurse leaders' and academics' perspectives in clinical assessment of final‐year nursing students: A qualitative study

The nature of nursing practice is diverse; therefore, clinical assessment is a complex process. This study explores the perceptions of clinical nurse leaders and academics on clinical assessment for undergraduate nursing education during transition to practice. An explorative qualitative approach was applied. Eight nurse managers, six clinical nurse educators, and eight academics from two tertiary hospitals and a university in Singapore participated in four focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was conducted. Four overriding themes were revealed: the need for a valid and reliable clinical assessment tool, preceptors' competency in clinical assessment, challenges encountered by the students in clinical assessment, and the need for close academic and clinical collaboration to support preceptors and students. Closer academic‐clinical partnership is recommended to review the clinical education curriculum. Clinical and educational institutions need to work closely to design a learning program to enhance preceptors' competence in clinical pedagogy and assessment. Furthermore, a stress management program could build students' resiliency in coping with unfamiliar clinical environments. Ongoing support needs to be provided for both preceptors and students to enrich the preceptorship and learning experiences.     

Changing institutional identities of the student nurse

This paper emphasises the tensions between the ideal of the compliant within care settings and the ideal of the critical thinker within the university setting with reference to student nurse education and identity. Identity is an important part of who we are as people. While modernisation and increased professionalisation of nursing have impacted on staff and patients mostly in a positive way, changes in the management of nursing education in the past 20years have also heralded a remarkable change in the student identity. Historically informed by association with a particular hospital or health service provider, student nurse identity was shaped by institutional rituals and routine, physically embodied in objects such as uniforms and hospital medals and informed by claims to honesty, virtue and personal integrity (Bradby, 1990). Once part of the structure and fabric of hospital life, nursing students functioned as part of the health care service. As such, their identity was synonymous with that of practicing nurses, whose learning needs were secondary to that of the organisational needs. While this social milieu provided the platform for the formation of institutional pride, belonging and identity, such forms of identity can result in institutional compliance; with the associated risk of ritualistic practice, poor levels of transparent accountability and barriers to whistle blowing should substandard practice arise. Increased student freedom and an emphasis on teaching and learning within the university setting may have benefitted students, patients and the profession, however, the potential impact on student identity is less certain. There is evidence to suggest that students are ill-equipped for their professional identity once qualified and thus require more support for this within universities. This paper explores the tensions between traditional hospital identity and contemporary university identity with reference to student nurse education. The ideal of the compliant versus the ideal of the critical thinker will be debated.     

Implementing Web-based instruction in a school of nursing: implications for faculty and students.

The World Wide Web, a rich educational resource that can promote and enhance student learning, is increasingly being used in nursing programs to deliver course content. When implementing Web-based instruction into the curriculum, it is essential to consider carefully the implications for faculty and student development needs so that the technology can be efficiently and effectively used to support student learning. Teaching a Web-based course is a new experience for many faculty and requires a reconceptualization of the faculty role. Faculty issues to consider when implementing Web-based instruction include instructional design concerns, faculty-student interactions, time and technology management skills, and student outcome evaluation. Students, especially those who have a preference for faculty-directed classroom learning, also will find student role challenges in Web-based learning. Time and technology management skills, student-faculty interactions, and becoming more self-directed in their learning are student role development needs. This article describes the strategies used by one school of nursing to meet faculty and student development needs when the RN-BSN completion program was redesigned for Web-based instruction.     

Enhancing skills for evidence-based healthcare leadership: the Executive Training for Research Application (EXTRA) program

The Executive Training for Research Application (EXTRA) is a new training program that aims to increase the skills of health services executives and their organizations to use research evidence in healthcare management and decision-making. This paper describes the goals and rationale of the EXTRA program and its learning objectives and curriculum, and reports on some early baseline evaluative research. In particular, the authors address the opportunities that EXTRA offers to leaders in the nursing profession to transform the practice of nursing and patient care, and the unique opportunities that the program offers for collaboration across the healthcare professions and disciplines. While the EXTRA training program requires substantive investment of time and commitment by healthcare leaders and their organizations, it offers great potential for increasing research application in healthcare leadership decision-making. It is therefore a potential long-term lever of cultural decision-making change within healthcare organizations.     

美国博伊西州立大学护士领导力与管理课程介绍及其对我国的启示

本文从课程设置、教学目标、教学方法、教学内容、考核方式等方面介绍了美国博伊西州立大学护理本科专业护士领导力与管理课程。我国应借鉴美国博伊西州立大学的经验,在护理专业中积极开展护士领导力课程,培养护理专业学生的领导与管理能力。     

Developing personal and community learning in graduate nursing education through community engagement

Community engagement through service-learning was introduced into a graduate program in nursing education to develop student leadership skills, interest in learning, and social responsibility. With faculty expertise and guidance, students worked in partnership with underserved community agencies. The goal of sustainability was accomplished by developing faculty expertise in service-learning as a method of instruction and integrating community engagement into academic assignments within existing courses. Opportunities to reflect on the benefits of the experiences were considered crucial to bridging service to learning in the community. Evaluation findings indicate that students gained insight into community needs and resources as they moved outside traditional health care settings. Graduates increased their understanding of their role as a resource to the community, and community agencies saw the value of a nurse educated at an advanced practice level.     

Developing public health competence among RN-to-BSN students in a rural community

A new RN/BSN nursing program offers rural students in a western state the opportunity to address significant health care needs on a local level by developing public health leadership competencies in their home communities. The innovative program, funded by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, makes it possible for RNs to complete their BSN degrees without travel, as they position themselves to provide critically needed health care leadership in their local areas. Partnerships between the university, community colleges, and local health agencies allow students in the RN-to-BSN program to benefit from a streamlined BSN admission process, onsite mentoring, and newly developed courses that lead students to reflect on health needs in their home communities. On the basis of Public Health Nursing Competencies as defined by the Nursing Quad Council (2004), the re-designed curriculum prepares students for public health leadership by encouraging application of competencies while participating in the delivery of essential public health services in their communities. Initial response to this new opportunity indicates that students can develop as leaders by developing public health competencies, and facets of the program may encourage more students to commit to completing the BSN while increasing capacity among PHNs.     

Early adolescent peer leader development in HIV prevention using youth-adult partnership with schools approach.

This article describes the development and evaluation of an HIV prevention program developed for early adolescents through participatory action research. The HIV prevention program included a curriculum that was delivered by trained younger youth leaders through a youth and adult partnership with 10 schools in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The curriculum used participatory learning experiences, "edutainment" approaches, and skills-building strategies for enhancing youth leaders' capacities. Results of the evaluation showed that the senior-junior peer education program was effective in leadership role preparation, in improving youth leaders' ability to share sexual and reproductive health knowledge, and in promoting positive attitudes toward themselves. Success also rested on the fact that adults took a critical role in providing the opportunities, assistance, and guidance so that young people could develop their leadership capacity in an atmosphere of trust and respect.     

Implementing service improvement projects within pre-registration nursing education: A multi-method case study evaluation

BackgroundPreparing healthcare students for quality and service improvement is important internationally. A United Kingdom (UK) initiative aims to embed service improvement in pre-registration education. A UK university implemented service improvement teaching for all nursing students. In addition, the degree pathway students conducted service improvement projects as the basis for their dissertations.AimThe study aimed to evaluate the implementation of service improvement projects within a pre-registration nursing curriculum.MethodA multi-method case study was conducted, using student questionnaires, focus groups with students and academic staff, and observation of action learning sets. Questionnaire data were analysed using SPSS v19. Qualitative data were analysed using Ritchie and Spencer's (1994) Framework Approach.ResultsStudents were very positive about service improvement. The degree students, who conducted service improvement projects in practice, felt more knowledgeable than advanced diploma students. Selecting the project focus was a key issue and students encountered some challenges in practice. Support for student service improvement projects came from action learning sets, placement staff, and academic staff.ConclusionService improvement projects had a positive effect on students' learning. An effective partnership between the university and partner healthcare organisations, and support for students in practice, is essential.     

Reflecting on interprofessional education in the design of space and place: lessons from Namibia

Abstract

Education at the University of Namibia, School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy relies on a community-centred curriculum. The aim is to nurture “7-star” doctors and pharmacists that will address the current social and health needs within the country. A sound understanding of the interplay between learning and the learning environment is said to improve interprofessional educational activities. This relationship is dependent on constrictive alignment of not only the aspects of pedagogy, but also that of educational leadership in context of the current and social health needs. In this report, we reflect on the interprofessional-learning environment that was created out of necessity within a Namibian context.     

New directions for nurse managers

A survey of nursing service administrators in the Mississippi area showed little preparation for the leadership role. A 1-year course in nursing management, consisting of 13 workshop days, was designed to meet the needs of those individuals without formal training who lacked a significant base in management theory and process. An opportunity was provided to identify management goals, clarify values, and enhance skills. Interim assignments were structured to address managerial practice issues faced within the individual's work settings. Built into the course was an extensive plan for evaluation. Twenty-five nurse managers completed the series. Impact evaluations at the end of 1 year revealed significant changes made by the individual and employing agency. Seven of 21 nurses at follow-up (33.3%) were certified in nursing service administration by the American Nurses' Association.     

Service learning in physiotherapy taken to a new level: experiences in South Africa

Abstract

Limited financial resources and social problems in the communities surrounding the University of the Free State (UFS) in South Africa prompted the need for community engagement as a core university activity. A facilitator in the form of a non-profit company called the Khula Xhariep Partnership (KXP) was created to ensure sustainable opportunities for members involved in community engagement. In 2005, the Physiotherapy Department of the UFS initiated a community outreach programme in the form of a service learning module with specific service learning pedagogic skills and outcomes to meet the mandatory requirements of all the relevant statutory bodies, and the mission statement of the KXP. From this service learning module, it became clear that effective civic engagement can only take place when integrated in all university activities, within a structured curriculum with definite teaching and learning outcomes, quality academic supervision, assessment and research.     

Cognitive behaviour therapy and people with learning disabilities: implications for developing nursing practice

People with learning disabilities are an ageing and increasing population and have been the subject of policy initiatives by the four countries of the UK, detailing the range of supports that need to be in place for this group. The evidence base of their mental health needs is growing and with it the need to ensure the full range of psychotherapies available to the general population are made available to people with learning disabilities. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is now a widely accepted and effective form of psychotherapy for many mental health problems and the evidence base is growing on the effectiveness with the learning disability population; however, the model needs to be applied differently for this group to take account of their cognitive impairment and support needs. Registered Nurses in Learning Disabilities are well placed to apply this approach within their clinical practice; however, there is an absence of leadership and direction in the development of CBT for this group of clinicians. There is a need to support education and practice development to contribute to addressing the emotional needs of people with learning disabilities. Action is required to support education to prepare Registered Nurses in Learning Disabilities to practice CBT and to contribute to the ongoing development of research in this area of clinical practice.     

A model of succession planning for mental health nurse practitioners

This paper reviews current literature on succession planning for mental health nurse practitioners (NPs) and discusses a model of succession planning that is underpinned by principals of leadership development, workforce participation and client engagement. The paper identifies succession planning as a means of managing a present and future workforce, while simultaneously addressing individual and organizational learning and practice development needs. A discussion of the processes attendant upon sustainable succession planning – collegial support, career planning and development, information exchange, capacity building, and mentoring is framed within the potential interrelationships between existing NP, developing NP and service directors and/or team managers. Done effectively and in partnership with wider clinical services, succession planning has the potential to build NP leadership development and leadership transition more broadly within mental health services.     

Core Curriculum for Master''s-Level Community Health Nursing Education: A Comparison of the Views of Leaders in Service and Education

This study identified core components of the curriculum for master's-level community health nurses (CHNs) and assessed whether leaders in service agreed with leaders in education on the importance of these components. Through a mailed survey, 588 leaders in CHN service and education identified the following as the most important to include in the core CHN curriculum: a practicum experience; epidemiology; community health assessment and diagnosis; administration and management, including public health administration, management theory, program planning and evaluation, financial management and budgeting, and quality assurance; research methods and biostatistics; health promotion and disease prevention; intervention at the aggregate level; and leadership theory. These leaders also indicated that skills in both administration and direct care are essential for CHN practice. While there was remarkable agreement between service and education leaders in many areas, notable disagreements were seen in the importance accorded administrative skills. Service leaders rated these skills much more highly than did leaders in education.     

Integrated methods for teaching population health

The Institute of Medicine recommends reforms to public health education to better prepare the public health workforce. This study addresses the application of two of the recommended reforms in the population health nursing curriculum at one university: use of an ecological model and distance learning methods. Using interdisciplinary faculty, integrated teaching and learning methods, and a multimedia curriculum, this study examined the following question: can distance learning be designed to support learning goals and outcomes specific to an ecological approach and population health concepts in general? Course content was evaluated using students' perception of practice utility and understanding of population health concepts. Integrated teaching methods were evaluated using a scale as well as comparison to other student distance learning experiences within the university. Findings demonstrated that both the ecological model and distance learning methods were successfully used to teach population health to a large nursing student cohort.     

Interprofessional education and practice guide No. 9: Sustaining interprofessional simulation using change management principles

ABSTRACT

Collaboration between teams is an essential component of patient safety in the complex ever-changing environment of healthcare. Collaborative practice requires training, which needs to start prior to registration for it to be established in the clinical workforce by graduation. Despite the perceived value and motivation of course coordinators, interprofessional training programs often struggle to sustain, due to various reasons related to logistics of timetabling, staff availability and/or absence of institutional support. We present a guide, outlining the lessons learned from implementing a sustainable change from our 6-year experience of the Women’s Health Interprofessional Learning through Simulation (WHIPLS) program. The WHIPLS program was initially piloted to teach clinical skills in an interprofessional environment for pre-registration medical and midwifery students and has become a core component of the clinical curriculum. We describe the steps that were required to attain this outcome using the Kotter’s 8-step plan for management change. The key lessons learned were identifying overlaps in course curriculum, planning for leadership and implementation, creating institutional “buy-in”, aligning with national goals, focusing on the learner, translating into routine clinical practice, keeping the program simple, accepting innovation and considering a strategic evaluation.     

Launching first-year health sciences students into collaborative practice: Highlighting institutional enablers and barriers to success

Developing and sustaining a comprehensive interprofessional education (IPE) curriculum infused throughout health science programmes at large post-secondary institutions requires not only champions within each program but also collaboration across professional programmes and strong support at an institutional level. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, it reports on the development of an interprofessional learning pathway, an institutional curricular model, and the pathway launch, an introductory learning experience within the context of a large post-secondary institution. The interprofessional curricular model provides a framework to connect the IPE that was previously fragmented across faculties and professional programmes into a scaffolded coherent pathway. The launch exposes students to the principles and competencies of collaborative practice. Second, it explores the dual role of enablers and barriers to IPE within the context of one institution’s 20-year experience of developing and delivering. In examining the elements that have sustained the institution’s IPE programming, it is highlighted how the seemingly positive elements (e.g., IPE champions and strong university support from central administration) have also served as hindrances within the academy potentially threatening the sustainability and institutionalisation of IPE. We anticipate that this curricular model and learning experiences will provide mechanisms to sustain and foster IPE.