Does Podcast Use Enhance Critical Thinking in Nursing Education?

The purpose of this pilot interventional study was to examine relationships between adjunctive podcast viewing and nursing students' critical thinking (CT) abilities. Participants were last semester/preceptorship nursing students. The intervention group was given unrestricted access to a CT podcast. There was no statistical significance between Health Sciences Reasoning Test pretest and posttest scores, the number of times the podcast was viewed, and specific demographic factors. The results suggest that CT podcast viewing did not improve CT abilities. However, Likert scale results indicated students liked this method of learning. Demographic factors and sample size were limited, and further research is recommended.

Evaluating preceptor perception of support using educational podcasts.

After their initial training, preceptors report a lack of ongoing support specifically in dealing with preceptor-identified areas of unsafe practice: the inability to demonstrate knowledge and skills, attitude problems, unprofessional behavior, and poor communication skills. The purpose of this staff development study was to test the use of educational technology in the form of podcasts, demonstrating how a preceptor could constructively approach difficult situations using caring behaviors to engage novice nurses and to examine the relationship between preceptor support and role commitment. A correlational research design was used to examine the effects of the podcasts, continuously available through common web sites. Findings include a significant increase in the preceptor's perception of support especially among participants who had less training or experience with precepting. A strong correlation between the preceptor's perception of support and commitment to their role was also demonstrated. Preceptors suggest development of additional podcasts for ongoing educational support.

Practicing Self-Care for Nurses: A Nursing Program Initiative.

Self-care is imperative to personal health, sustenance to continue to care for others, and professional growth. This article briefly reviews stressors common to students and nurses and the importance of practicing self-care to combat stress and promote health in practice. Florida Atlantic University offers a course for all levels of undergraduate nursing students called Caring for Self. The course, supported by principles of Adult Learning Theory, focuses on guiding the nurse to practice and model self-care. The author describes the evolution of this self-care initiative by discussing the needs assessment, course description and strategies, examples of course activities, and an exemplar of student impact. The conclusion offers discussion of challenges and lessons noted by faculty and students.

Educating nurses about veno-thrombolytic events (VTE).

This study determined the effect of a computer-based educational program in preparing nurses to complete an assessment for veno-thrombotic risk on all patients admitted to a community hospital. The educational program included information on appropriate prophylaxis for patients at risk for veno-thrombolytic events (VTEs). Nurses were encouraged to work with physicians and pharmacists to obtain the appropriate VTE prophylaxis for all patients based on risk. Findings showed that one class may not be sufficient for long-term understanding of VTE risk and prophylaxis.

Stakeholder focus groups to inform a technology-based strategy of preceptor support.

While preceptors are a vital link in student nurse practice education, ongoing support beyond an initial orientation is often lacking. It has been reported in the literature that preceptors experience stress related to difficulties in handling preceptee situations. They are frustrated by negative experiences centered on preceptor-identified hallmarks of unsafe practice including the inability to demonstrate knowledge and skills; attitude problems; unprofessional behavior; and poor communication skills. Their unrealized expectations for novices threaten their commitment to their preceptor role. As part of a larger study testing the effectiveness of podcasts as an ongoing method of preceptor support, this paper addresses the developmental stage of the podcasts. A team of academic and acute care nurse educators developed scripts for eventual filming of four podcasts focusing on unsafe practice issues, designed to provide continual support through web-based availability. The use of podcast technology is consistent with the learning styles of digital natives and is a demonstrated and valuable educational resource to review, reinforce, and clarify difficult concepts. These podcasts were informed through preceptor focus groups to address situational and environmental realism for student behaviors and preceptor responses.

High-fidelity nursing simulation: impact on student self-confidence and clinical competence.

Development of safe nursing practice in entry-level nursing students requires special consideration from nurse educators. The paucity of data supporting high-fidelity patient simulation effectiveness in this population informed the development of a quasi-experimental, quantitative study of the relationship between simulation and student self-confidence and clinical competence. Moreover, the study reports a novel approach to measuring self-confidence and competence of entry-level nursing students. Fifty-three baccalaureate students, enrolled in either a traditional or simulation-enhanced laboratory, participated during their first clinical rotation. Student self-confidence and faculty perception of student clinical competence were measured using selected scale items of the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric. The results indicated an overall improvement in self-confidence and competence across the semester, however, simulation did not significantly enhance these caring attributes. The study highlights the need for further examination of teaching strategies developed to promote the transfer of self-confidence and competence from the laboratory to the clinical setting.