Learning Objective #1: Identify several alternative pediatric clinical experiences other than the traditional in-patient hospital experience for nursing students

Learning Objective #2: Discuss and utilize an alternative educational pediatric assignment involving computer-based internet research, critical thinking through case studies, and a qualitative research observational experience

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The purpose of this pediatric clinical experience is to give baccalaureate nursing students an opportunity to observe healthy adolescents in their own environment; to analyze their behaviors, dress, communications, and interactions including their risk taking behaviors; to investigate a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach for their health care needs; and to apply critical thinking skills to their diagnosis and treatment. Adolescents are an important sub-group of pediatrics that are often overlooked, but who demand time and attention due to their risk taking behaviors, their invincibility attitudes, and their personal fable type of egocentrism. With a national trend towards healthy children and our university's location in a rural area with limited in-patient sites and without any pediatric hospital within commuting distance, it is very difficult to find a traditional pediatric clinical experience for our nursing students. Our program has evolved to include several alternative community-based clinical experiences during the semester in place of the traditional in-patient experiences. One is our Adolescent Project: an independent 3-part small group assignment utilizing web based research, case studies, and an observation. It meets course and departmental objectives for computer technology use, utilizes and develops critical thinking skills, applies qualitative research techniques, demonstrates realistic examples of the theorists, and illustrates current trends in school based/ community health care. It also involves the students in small group processes and develops communications skills and writing skills. The students investigate applicable medications and employ anticipatory guidance teaching. It tends to be an "eye-opener" for these young adults entering a professional career who are sometimes contemplating a family and children of their own. These 21 & 22 year old nursing students often remark, “I can't believe how much they have changed since I was an adolescent!”