ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Simulation has been shown to be an effective teaching strategy for increasing nursing students' knowledge and empathy toward individuals with low income. Virtual simulation is effective in teaching critical thinking, situational awareness, and empathy. METHOD: This mixed-method study examined three virtual poverty simulation programs. The study sample included senior baccalaureate nursing students (n = 99) in a Community Health course. RESULTS: Fifteen of the 21 items on the Attitudes Toward Poverty-Short Form (ATP-SF) scale showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge and understanding of people living in poverty. Qualitative data analysis revealed four themes: (1) empathy; (2) sacrifice; (3) stress; and (4) moral struggle. CONCLUSION: Virtual poverty simulation is a teaching strategy for increasing nursing students' empathy, knowledge, and understanding of those living in poverty to provide compassionate, culturally competent care for individuals with low income. The simulation can be implemented in a variety of settings. [J Nurs Educ. 2023;62(11):642-646.].
Subject(s)
Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate , Students, Nursing , Humans , Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate/methods , Poverty , Attitude of Health Personnel , Culturally Competent CareABSTRACT
Obesity is a major health issue. A community-based intervention was implemented on a college campus to help employees lose body weight and fat. Participants were scanned using the InBody device at pre- and post-intervention, measuring body weight, fat, and waist circumference. Participants attended 11 classes on healthy lifestyle education. A comparison of pre- and post-intervention measurements was made using a paired t-test, resulting in a statistically significant difference in outcome measures. Correlation between class attendance and pounds lost showed a moderate negative correlation. Findings support a community-based lifestyle behavior intervention for weight and fat loss for university employees.
