Creating a Primary Care Track in Prelicensure Nursing Education.

BACKGROUND: RNs practicing in primary care (PC) increase access to health care and contribute to better patient outcomes and cost savings, yet undergraduate nursing education traditionally focuses on disease-oriented care. This article describes a curricular track for infusing PC prelicensure programs. METHOD: PC content is threaded across four semesters with targeted assignments and clinical experiences. Providing clinical immersion experiences with practicing RNs as preceptors in community and PC settings is a key component of this initiative. RESULTS: Student feedback has been favorable. Students stated they gained insight to the role of RNs in PC through class assignments and clinical rotations. Graduating seniors were offered employment in PC settings where they completed their practicum clinical rotations. CONCLUSION: The PC track contributes to building a nursing workforce to meet health care demands and promote health equity. Nurse educators interested in infusing PC content throughout the curriculum can adapt this model for all student populations. [J Nurs Educ. 2023;62(3):171-174.].

Community health education re-envisioned: The value of partnership with the local food bank.

Baccalaureate-prepared nurses must be prepared to fulfill expanding role and skill expectations in community settings to improve population health. The use of non-traditional community clinical sites provides opportunities for students to learn and use a broad skill set such as leadership, communication, research, teaching, project management, and critical thinking. Students explore utilization of epidemiological systems and nursing theories to assist groups and communities to meet their nursing and community health needs. An example of a successful non-traditional partnership was established between our school and the regional food bank. This symbiotic relationship provides two-way benefits: students are afforded some flexibility and creativity in completion of required course assignments, and the food bank gains additional workers to help accomplish their strategic goals. It is a community health clinical resource that is accessible to schools of nursing in every community.