Objectives: The learner will: 1. Articulate factors which promote effective care for diverse and disadvantaged clients. 2. Describe the complex and difficult issues nursing students face when providing care for high-risk families.
Design: This was a descriptive study using quantitative and qualitative methods.
Population, Sample, Setting, Years: All senior baccalaureate students from a midwestern university were invited to participate in this study.
Variables Studied: Student knowledge, satisfaction and self-perceived skill level were studied.
Methods: A battery of tests was administered to all senior students before and after their public health nursing experience. One group of students had a traditional public health experience while a second group of students participated in a home visiting project for high-risk families. Student satisfaction and perceptions were gathered through focus groups and an open-ended questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and identification of common themes.
Findings: Initial analysis indicated there was no significant difference in student’s knowledge and self-rated skills regarding a family-centered approach to care. Although students who participated in the home visiting project reported increased satisfaction, connectedness to the community, and increased cultural sensitivity when working with diverse and disadvantaged clients, they also voiced frustration related to working with high-risk families.
Conclusions: Involving students in the delivery of care to high-risk families through a home visiting program is an effective strategy benefiting both families and students.
Implications: These findings present compelling information in relation to a model in which nursing students complete their public health experience by delivering care through a home visiting model to diverse and disadvantaged clients.
Back to Reaching High-Risk Families: Successes and Struggles in Translating Research into Practice
Back to Evidence-Based Nursing: Strategies for Improving Practice
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 21, 2004