Paper: Accelerated Programs of Nursing Education: Design and Evaluation of a Collaborative Model of Nursing Practice Education (40th Biennial Convention (October 31st- November 4th, 2009))

Sunday, November 1, 2009: 11:00 AM

Deborah A. Raines, PhD, RN, ANEF
Christine E Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

Learning Objective 1: Describe the attributes and design of a collaborative model of practice based nursing education using an immersion experience.

Learning Objective 2: Discuss the findings of evaluation research on the outcomes of the collaborative model of nursing practice education for accelerated, second-degree student

Accelerated programs of study for individuals with a previous degree are a growing presence in the study of nursing. This paper will describe the creation and design of a collaborative model of nursing practice education. In the development of an accelerated, second-degree program of study, a partnership was established between the college of nursing and health care organizations. The model used an immersion model of learning and the establishment of nurse learner/nurse expert dyads as the students became a part of the nursing organization during their nursing education practice courses. Practice courses involved the students working collaborative with the nurse expert in providing care for an assignment of patients over the entirety of a 12 hours shift. The reality of the practice environment and need for professional judgment was part of the experience from the first day of their nursing practice education. Data on student satisfaction, development of caring behaviors and competence as a practicing nurse was collected at the beginning of the program of study, at graduation and six months following graduation. These data support the success of the model from the perspective of the student, the academic and clinical partners and the nurse experts (employees of the clinical partner). Specific attributes of the model identified by participants as most important will be shared and discussed. This model and the resultant evaluation research findings have implications for nurse leaders planning or adapting educational programs to prepare graduates for the complexities of practice in today’s health care environment.

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