The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59846

Patricia Donehower, RN, MSN, Jennifer S. Riggs, RN, BSN, and Elizabeth Allen, RN, MSN. Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446

Provision of quality health care depends on a skilled workforce, including professional nurses who are well prepared to practice in an increasingly complex health care environment. Three themes describe the relevance and need for this project: the nursing shortage, the shift of health care delivery from principally acute to more community based settings, and the economic imperatives of operating a successful health care organization. A Community Partnership, involving a Home Health Agency, University Nursing Programs, Department of Health, and Area Health Education Center, was formed to design a model clinical experience for BSN students that will be transferable to other sites. Further, the model will allow exploration of agency characteristics that support effective clinical learning; identification of necessary preparation for agency clinical staff to succeed as student preceptors and evaluation of teaching and learning outcomes that may have a positive influence on the recruitment and retention of nurses. The planning phase (completed Fall 2002) included systems development meetings between partners. Project mission and scope were clarified; goals, objectives and evaluation measures were identified. Surveys were developed and are currently being conducted. Survey data will inform focus groups of students, preceptors, and faculty. Input from these groups will aid in design of the clinical site model. Implementation of the model is planned for the Fall 2003 semester, continuing into 2004 with evaluation activities conducted concurrently and retrospectively.

Learning Objectives:

• After viewing the poster presentation, participants will be able to:
• i.Identify three themes that influenced development of this project.
• ii.Describe the design of the clinical site model for BSN students
• iii.Identify outcomes anticipated of this project associated with students, agency preceptors, agency administrators, agency staff development coordinators, and School of Nursing faculty
• iv.Discuss implications of the project for other community based clinical sites for health care profession students

Keywords: Students, Home Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.