Transitioning From a Traditional to a Concept-Based Curriculum: Faculty's Experience.

Nursing education is transforming from traditional systems paradigms to concept-based curricula. We explored how this change impacts faculty using focus groups with questions adapted from Bridges' transitions model. Results revealed that many faculty did not feel there was a clear vision for the transition and felt inadequately prepared for the change. Uncertainty about their new role led some to feel displaced. To ease future transitions, we suggest that leadership clearly communicate the rationale for the change, ensure that there is a shared vision, provide an appropriate timeline for the transition, and support faculty as their roles are redefined.

The relationship between breastfeeding test weights and postpartum breastfeeding rates.

This secondary analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between test weights and days of breastfeeding. Test weights were performed with a scale (accurate to 2 grams) before and after feeding. Days of breastfeeding was measured by self-reporting. All test weights were interrelated and were associated with higher days of breastfeeding. Test weights at day 2 to 4 and at 2 weeks were not correlated significantly with either intention or self-efficacy at any time. However, 6-week test weights were correlated with intention at all 3 times, and self-efficacy at 6 weeks. Women with higher breastfeeding self-efficacy scores tended to report higher intention to breastfeed for 6 months.

Screening Native American children for asthma: findings from focus group discussions.

CONTEXT: Because of the past history among the Indian people related to research, it is incumbent upon those of us who wish to conduct research with these groups to protect them from exploitation, to conduct research that will be beneficial to the tribal community, and to work together to make the research as meaningful and as successful as possible. The process of conducting research among Native American tribes can appear to the novice as very time-consuming and full of barriers. These are necessary guards to protect their people. Additionally, many people of these tribes want to make sure that the research is going to benefit them. Focus groups provide a way for researchers to identify what the wishes of the tribal communities are in relation to the proposed research. PURPOSE: The overall purpose of this study was to understand some of the concerns the tribal communities had regarding asthma among their children, as well as their perceptions of how best to implement an asthma screening program in their community. METHODS: This was a qualitative study. An interpretative approach was selected for this research because such an approach emphasizes how a phenomenon is perceived and how meaning is constructed in situations. FINDINGS: Findings from the focus group are discussed according to themes that surfaced during the focus group discussion. CONCLUSIONS: Tribal community leaders and parents are interested in their children's health and do want to be involved in research to help children and others in their communities. Nurses working in tribal communities need to gain an understanding of the tribal communities' perspective prior to conducting research.