Beyond Traditional RN-BSN Programs: Partnerships for Dual Admission Progression Programs.

ABSTRACT: Seamless academic programs are essential to support key national recommendations to increase the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses (BSN). Associate degree nursing programs graduate approximately 50 percent of the registered nurse workforce. Graduates need a quality RN-BSN in nursing pathway to advance their education. This article discusses a seamless dual admission program in northeast Ohio, a cost-effective partnership between one associate degree nursing program and one BSN program that reduced barriers for students and had positive student outcomes.

Reducing Barriers for RN-BSN Education: The Assessment Competency Evaluation.

The Northeast Team of the Ohio Action Coalition, composed of regional clinical and academic educators, identified a potential barrier for nurses pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Duplication of health assessment content was identified for some associate degree graduates enrolled in RN-BSN programs, thereby adding extra time and cost for attaining the baccalaureate degree. In response, the Northeast Team of the Ohio Action Coalition developed an assessment competency evaluation that, if successfully passed, would grant credit for the health assessment course. The assessment competency evaluation provided the opportunity for students to demonstrate competency in both health assessment and clinical judgment skills.

An orthodox perspective of the Jewish end-of-life experience.

This article provides insight into Jewish law, ethics, and cultural practices regarding pain management, care of the dying Jewish patient, and Jewish rituals after death across the care continuum. Clinically and culturally appropriate care provision is important in the setting of a hospital, nursing home, and community dwelling because of deep religious belief and practices, as well as life experiences such as the Holocaust. The recognition of deep spiritual and cultural practices from the interdisciplinary or interprofessional team serves to fulfill a holistic approach to the overall care of the patient and family.

The Bridge Project: improving heart failure care in skilled nursing facilities.

INTRODUCTION: Rehospitalization rates and transitions of care for patients with heart failure (HF) continue to be of prominent importance for hospital systems around the United States. Skilled nursing facilities (SNF) are pivotal sites for transition especially for older adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in SNF both the (1) current state of HF management (HF admissions, protocols, and staff knowledge) and (2) the acceptability and effect of a HF staff educational program. METHODS: Four SNF participated in the project, 2 the first year and 2 the second year. SNF were surveyed by discipline as to HF disease management techniques. Staff were evaluated on HF knowledge and confidence in pre- and post-HF disease management training. RESULTS: All-cause rehospitalization rates ranged from 18% to 43% in the 2 SNF evaluated. Overall, there was a lack of identification and tracking of HF patients in all the SNF. There were no HF-specific disease management protocols at any SNF and staff had limited knowledge of HF care. Staff pre and post test scores indicated an improvement in both staff knowledge and confidence in HF management after receiving training. CONCLUSION: The lack of identification and tracking of patients with HF limits SNF ability to care for patients with HF. HF education for staff is likely important to effective HF management in the SNF.