Advancing Nursing Informatics Through Clinical Placements: Pilot Study

Work integrated learning in the space of nursing informatics is a new concept in Australian nursing curriculum. This study examined nursing students’ experiences in the pilot nursing informatics clinical placement centered on electronic medical records, their use in patient care and clinical decision making. Students completed reflective diaries of their learning during the four-week placement. Data was explored by thematic analysis. Emergent themes included: importance of adequate training in using EMR; impact of EMR on nursing workflow and patient care; shaping future career choices; forming rewarding relationships; and potential for improvements. These themes will be used to enhance teaching and learning opportunities as this pilot placement evolves into permeant part of the nursing curriculum.

Practical Research on the Integration of Curriculum Ideology and Politics into the Teaching Reform of Nursing Specialty

“Curriculum ideology and politics” is a new concept and model of education as well as teaching innovation in colleges and universities. Focusing on the fundamental task of strengthening moral education and cultivating people along with the nursing curriculum, this article analyzes the main problems existing in the “curriculum ideology and politics” in nursing education, takes the nursing course as the starting point, and proposes suggestions for the teaching reform of “curriculum ideology and politics” in nursing education.

Student Perception of Skills and Simulation Delivery within an Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum.

Introduction The existing delivery method for skills training is very task focused and delivered in large groups with limited time for actual ‘hands on’ practice of skills. Simulation was only included, sporadically, within the curriculum. Methods A questionnaire was designed to ascertain the student’s existing level of experience in skills and simulation, in addition to their opinion as to how effective the current method of delivery was in relation to a positive learning experience, and generation of knowledge. Their viewpoint was also sought as to any thoughts they may have in relation to changing the delivery of skills and simulation. Results The results demonstrated that, overall, there was a negative response from the students in relation to the current delivery of skills and simulation. Conclusion The study identified further areas for research in relation to the delivery and integration of skills and simulation within a pre-registration nursing curriculum. Key Words Nursing education, simulation-based education

What Should Be Considered in the Evidence-Based Practice Competency-Based Curriculum for Undergraduate Nursing Students? From the Student’s Point of View

Background: The nursing curriculum should be systematically developed to improve the evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies of undergraduate nursing students. We attempted to identify the factors important for developing or improving the EBP-integrated nursing curriculum. Methods: This study adopted the qualitative research design using qualitative content analysis. A total of 168 study participants were included in the study. The participants were third-year nursing students at a private university located in southeastern South Korea. An open-ended question was asked: “To improve students’ EBP competencies during theory classes, on-campus practicums, or clinical practicums, what do you think is necessary?” Result(s): The analysis presented thirty themes, which were grouped into 10 sub-categories and further into four categories, and finally into three main categories. The students responded that they needed to form their own attitudes toward EBP. Regarding educator-related needs, students responded that effective teaching and learning methods should be used in classes. The students also suggested that the EBP process should be applied during clinical practicum. Regarding school-related needs, students suggested that EBP education should be applied at the beginning of the curriculum. Furthermore, the students recommended that repeated teaching should be used for EBP, and that EBP education should be connected to the major courses. Conclusion: The development of EBP competencies among undergraduate students is an important factor that can impact the nursing quality and patient safety. Based on the findings of this study, multidimensional efforts are needed to improve the liberal arts education of students and strengthen the educators’ competencies of EBNP and EBTP. Furthermore, schools should strive to assess students’ educational needs regularly and integrate the subsequent EBP-integrated nursing curricula consistent with these needs.

Does the nursing curriculum influence feelings of gender-role conflict in a cohort of nursing degree male students?

It is estimated that more than 9% of the global nursing workforce is male and that this share will gradually rise over the next decade. Although there are some positive aspects of having a male nursing workforce, men in the profession still experience discriminatory behaviours and practices. Fortunately, this does not deter a number of men entering undergraduate degree programmes. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of 14 male nursing students in their first year of the adult Bachelor of Nursing programme. Using the Inventory of Male Friendliness in Nursing Programs and the Gender Role Conflict Scale, this study found that the male students felt welcomed, supported and included into the nursing programme. In addition, they felt no overall gender-role conflict, although feelings of success and achievement caused some challenges. The results of this study suggest that the male students did not necessarily experience those inequitable behaviours and practices reported in the literature. It has been suggested that perhaps the reality of clinical practice may change the perception of nursing for male students. Therefore, implications for further research could include a longitudinal study to ascertain where the perceptions of the nursing programme change for the male nursing students over time.

A Mixed-Methods Approach-Based Study of Anaphylaxis Awareness and Educational Needs among Nursing Students

In this mixed-methods study, we identified anaphylaxis awareness among nursing students through a survey, and the needs for anaphylaxis education through focus group interviews (FGIs). Anaphylaxis awareness was surveyed from 10 June–30 July 2018 using a structured questionnaire with 221 junior or senior nursing students. To assess the needs for anaphylaxis education, 14 senior nursing students were interviewed using FGIs from 10–22 June 2018. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS, and qualitative data were assessed using thematic analysis. Nursing students’ awareness of anaphylaxis was identified by correct answers to items concerning symptoms (33.0%), causes (64.6%), and treatments (55.8%), with an overall average of 51.5%. The thematic analysis identified four themes reflecting students’ educational needs: the need for anaphylaxis education, various education methods, field training-based study of educational content, and repeated education. Nursing students’ anaphylaxis awareness is low. Their specific needs derived in this study for anaphylaxis education should draw special attention when planning nursing curriculum. Incorporating these findings in future education programs may promote students’ confidence in treating anaphylaxis.