Unfolding Case Studies: Preparing RN Participants For Challenges of Public Health Nursing Practice in an Online Education Program

Baccalaureate education for graduates of Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) prgrams is an important avenue for maintaining a qualified public health nursing workforce. Online programs provide such opportunities for RN-BSN participants without leaving their communities or jobs. Learning experiences that provide a population focus, address health policy issues, and social justice issues are needed to prepare nurses to address the challenges of public health nursing practice.

“Unfolding” case studies in a public health nursing course allow participants to integrate the population focus of public health and community health nursing with their current knowledge of individualized care for clients. Participants search the literature, develop learning objectives and develop a case scenario for a client/ family impacted by a chronic illness, within a public health framework. The case study “unfolds” over a four week period during which participants integrate health care system issues, effects of policy on nursing care, and issues of social justice in the care of families with chronic illness. Participants develop the case study in three stages and receive feedback from the instructor at each stage. In addition, they share reflections of their learning with peers and the instructor through an online discussion board. The reflection facilitates the integration of new concepts in unfolding case studies, reinforcing their learning. Evaluation of participant learning in the case study process occurs when participants develop questions based on pre-defined course objectives and provide answers to those questions.

Complete, clearly identified guidelines are necessary for students completing the process online. Providing adequate time to complete the project and providing prompt feedback increases learning. Integrating health policy, social justice, and health systems maintains a public health focus.

The use of unfolding case studies is a valuable teaching/learning strategy for adult learners who already have a base of knowledge in a public health course. Developing the case study requires active participation; reflection and sharing with peers reinforces learning. Completing this assignment at the end of the curriculum insures that participants can use all concepts learned in the course.