Friday, April 12, 2013
Joanne K. Olson, PhD, RN1
Kaysi Eastlick Kushner, PhD, RN1
Carolyn Ross, PhD, RN1
Joanne Profetto-McGrath, PhD, RN1
Diane Kunyk, PhD, RN1
Raisa Gul, PhD, RN2
(1)Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
(2)Aka Khan Univeristy School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Learning Objective 1: At the end of this presentation, the learner will be able to describe the process of engaging students in reporting their workplace conditions.
Learning Objective 2: At the end of this presentation, the learner will be able to identify implications of the findings for promoting positive change in learning environments.
Background: The manner in which a healthy workplace is managed models our underlying values of its importance. At the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, our Healthy Workplace Committee recognizes that the learning community is the “workplace” for students. In 2012, our nursing programs received maximum national accreditation. In 2011, National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) scores suggested highly engaged nursing students. However, in another 2011 survey of 1600 University of Alberta students, high levels of hopelessness, exhaustion, stress, and depression were reported.
In addition, the nursing faculty was rated as having the least sincere interest in their students.
1 The inconsistent findings raised questions and have led to further investigation. Recognizing the imperative of a healthy workplace, faculty leaders are now conducting a comprehensive review of all undergraduate programs to better understand student experiences and perspectives.
Method: A multi-method, cross-sectional descriptive study was initiated in Fall 2012. Data collection involved an on-line survey and focus groups. Some of the study questions focus on work life interface, work load, and available supports and resources.
Findings: In early 2013, student data will be analyzed using statistical analysis and thematic coding. The collated findings will be presented both through narrative and graphic display. The relevance of the findings for curriculum renewal and promotion of a healthy student “workplace” will be discussed.
Importance: Nursing students today will be the workforce leaders of tomorrow. Modeling ways to promote healthy workplace conditions and expectations is an example of authentic leadership. Students will experience modeling in terms of searching for ways to improve workplace conditions that promote student health as well as student learning.
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