Demonstrates how the partial credit model, a variation of the Rasch Measurement Model, can be used to develop performance-based assessments for nursing education. Applies the model using the Practical Knowledge Inventory for Nurses. (SK)

Discusses how teaching activities and assessment strategies in a nursing curriculum can be tailored to four philosophy frameworks: idealism, realism, pragmatism, and humanism. (SK)

A survey of 40 Native American nurses found that cultural content in the curriculum was limited and support for their cultural identity was lacking in nursing education. Many experienced culture shock, racist attitudes, and isolation. They found support through student groups, tribal programs, or informal peer networks. (Contains 21 references.)…

Multicultural nursing education should go beyond teaching respect for values and beliefs to integrate multiculturalism throughout the educational environment. Raising awareness, developing critical thinking, supporting diverse ways of learning, and using conflict creatively are some strategies that can be applied. (SK)

Beyond curriculum development, web-based courses require creation of a virtual environment with infrastructure for online registration and records, financial aid, orientation, advisement, and evaluation. In developing this environment, faculty should consider the market, operations, finances, organization, and collaboration. (SK)

Interviews (n=22) and observations (n=14) in clinical settings were coded and analyzed to identify student nurses' problems in communicating with patients and the process of learning solutions. The process involved affirming the self, engaging the patient, experiencing communication breakdown, and refining the repertoire of communication…

A scale containing items rated by a Delphi panel of 11 nurse educators was administered to 201 nursing students. The questionnaire appears to be a valid and reliable measure of nursing students' self-directed learning readiness, overcoming some problems in the instrument developed by Guglielmino. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)

Focus groups of 18 nurse educators established five themes describing the role of nursing teachers in clinical placements. Advising and supporting students and clinical staff, regulating professional standards, interpreting assessment documentation, and networking with clinical staff are aspects of this multifaceted role. (Contains 24 references.)…

Enabling behaviors that encourage dependence should be avoided by nursing faculty. An empowerment model that includes collegiality, communication, accountability, and autonomy is more suited to the professional preparation of nurses. (Contains 30 references.) (SK)

A women's shelter and hospital emergency department collaborated on a universal screening process for domestic violence. Implementation barriers included lack of time, space, and privacy; more serious barriers were nurses' personal feelings and lack of information about domestic violence. Interdisciplinary preservice and inservice training were…

Nursing faculty who participate in clinical practice found that it enhances teaching in many ways: role modeling; curriculum development; identification of researchable problems; working knowledge of procedures, medication administration, and computer uses; clinical placement opportunities; involvement in clinical trials; and integration of theory…

The portrayal of African Americans in nursing fundamentals textbooks was analyzed, resulting in 11 themes in the areas of history, culture, and physical assessment. Few African American leaders were included, and racial bias and stereotyping were apparent. Differences were often discussed using Eurocentric norms, and language tended to minimize…

Purpose: Relationships are examined between age and out-of-pocket costs for different health goods and services among the older population. Design and Methods: Age patterns in health service use and out-of-pocket costs are examined by use of the 1990 Elderly Health Supplement to the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (N = 1,031, age 66+). Multivariate…

Research on assessment and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is moving at a rapid pace. Continuing education (CE) providers must translate new findings for clinicians so as to enhance patient care. A two-page survey was distributed by mail to a sample of 5,000 licensed Missouri clinicians to gather data in support of this translation process.…

Obtaining meaningful information from statistically valid and reliable measures of the quality of care for disease-specific care provided in small rural hospitals is limited by small numbers of cases and different definitive care capacities. An alternative approach may be to aggregate and analyze patient services that reflect more generalized care…