Novel Use of Experiential Learning in an Online Doctor of Philosophy Theory Course.

BACKGROUND: Due to their abstract nature and lack of real-world application, theory development and testing are often difficult concepts for PhD students to embrace, especially within a virtual learning environment. Although experiential learning is a preferred method, there is a lack of evidence regarding its use in online PhD programs. METHOD: Four PhD nursing students enrolled in a Foundations of Theory course participated in an innovative experiential learning project designed to introduce the process of theory development and testing. Participants, led by a faculty-researcher, tested the applicability of a conceptual model using the Framework Method with the diary of a Holocaust survivor. RESULTS: This experience increased the learners' understanding and appreciation of theory development and testing processes as they relate to the nurse scientist's role. CONCLUSION: Experiential learning in an online theory course is a viable option to promote learning, student engagement, and professional socialization. [J Nurs Educ. 2021;60(7):391-393.].

Oral health among student veterans: Effects on mental and physical health.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore differences in oral health among students by military service status in postsecondary settings. Participants: Secondary data were obtained from the American College Health Association's 2011-2014 National College Health Assessment II. Method: Demographic characteristics of the study sample were explored by calculating frequencies and percentages by military service status. Research questions were explored with maximum likelihood multiple logistic regression. Results: Service member and veteran students are at greater risk for neglecting health behaviors associated with positive oral health, including that they were less likely to get dental exams and that those who deployed in the past were the least likely to be practicing good oral health. Conclusions: The results suggest that improving oral health will contribute to improving health and mental health outcomes in this population, and provide important information for health specialists working with service members and veterans on college campuses.

The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in the Education, Support, and Services for Persons Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Faith-based organizations are in a unique position to provide resilience-enhancing efforts for persons living with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS. Many persons living with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS report having a strong faith or religious affiliation, with a large percentage attending church services on a regular basis. Faith-based organizations can use these factors to reach out to these individuals and effectively promote health, well-being, education, and support. Faith-based organizations can contribute to the reduction of stigma and isolation for persons living with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS.

Promoting Resilience in New Perioperative Nurses.

New nursing graduates experience many challenges when transitioning from the academic environment to the practice setting. For many, the period of transition from student to employee is less than optimal, with many still experiencing reality shock, cognitive dissonance, and theory-practice gaps. The Stephens Model of Nursing Student Resilience addresses the unique issues faced by new graduate nurses to assist them in developing healthy coping strategies and to promote resilience. This model forms the basis of the RN Personal Resilience Enhancement Plan, a supplemental onboarding program created to assist new nurses in confidently facing challenges encountered during orientation and successfully moving forward as nursing professionals. This article describes the concept of resilience and explains how to link the RN Personal Resilience Enhancement Plan to the onboarding process in the perioperative setting.

Twitter, Millennials, and Nursing Education Research.

AIM: This article reports the use of Twitter as an intervention delivery method in a multisite experimental nursing research study. BACKGROUND: A form of social networking, Twitter is considered a useful means of communication, particularly with millennials. This method was chosen based on current literature exploring the characteristics of millennial students. METHOD: Ahern's Model of Adolescent Resilience served as the theoretical framework. Participants were 70 junior-level baccalaureate nursing students, ages 19-23, at two state-supported universities. RESULTS: Twitter was found to be a convenient, cost-effective, and enjoyable means of intervention delivery for the researcher. Participants in the experimental and control groups expressed positive feelings about the use of Twitter. CONCLUSION: The findings contribute to future efforts to use social media in nursing research and education to increase faculty-student engagement, promote critical reflection, provide social support, reinforce course content, and increase the sense of community.