Observation of a classroom and clinic and interviews provided information about a nurse educator's ethical and epistemological stance and its expression in teaching. Students' pre- and posttest scores on a cognitive and ethical development instrument were used to reveal ways in which caring can be modeled and taught. (SK)

Distance education courses created collaboratively by eight nursing and three distance education faculty used either a parallel-linear or interdisciplinary team design model. Course ownership was a major issue, the process was labor intensive, and lack of technical knowledge was inhibiting. Clinical issues included resources, unanticipated costs,…

Describes structured care approaches, such as protocols, clinical pathways, and algorithms, which are being used increasingly to organize clinical knowledge and guide patient care. Reviews the types of structured care approaches available to the clinician and explores the value of structured care approaches in practice and education. (Contains 32…

Examines the relationship among students' approaches to learning, their perceptions of the educational environment, and their academic achievement. Uses the Approaches to Studying Questionnaire (s-ASQ) and the Medical Education Environment Measure (MEEM). Reports on the usefulness of using these two instruments as diagnostic measurement tools to…

Argues that functional analysis and occupational standards provide a holistic view of employment needs, enabling development of relevant curriculum. Refutes criticisms and suggest how functional analysis might be used in nursing education. (SK)

A study tour of two British and eight Australian nursing schools found reflective practice fully endorsed in Australia, but the movement is threatened by concern with cost effectiveness. Issues to be resolved include ethical use of student journals and process and outcome evaluation of the effectiveness of reflection. (SK)

Reports the results of a consensus meeting convened to provide guidelines for clinicians and make recommendations for researchers regarding disruptive vocalization (DV). Suggests that DV arises largely in persons with cognitive impairment and generally reflects an underlying need or discomfort. Managing DV involves appropriate identification of…

A British nursing school's version of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination is a process for assessing clinical skills in the context of holistic patient care. Students work with one simulated patient at one station, demonstrating competence in a sample of skills. (SK)

Evaluation of teaching and learning in Scottish nursing schools showed how different curricular arrangements support or constrain educational experience, especially in relation to preparation for clinical placement, role of tutors and mentors in placements, and assessment of practice-based learning. (SK)

Addresses limitations of a behavioral approach to communication. Explores the use of transformative learning theory in teaching communication. Outlines a learning map for nursing students: experiencing a disorienting dilemma, critically assessing internalized role assumptions, recognizing the social construction of practice, and exploring and…

Undergraduate nursing students (n=29) who received training in working with people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were compared to 31 controls. Training increased knowledge and improved attitudes toward working with HIV populations. (SK)

Nursing students in behavioral science were divided as follows: 40 in 4 groups with tutorials and 20 in control groups (13 of whom did not have tutorials). Two of the four experimental groups showed significant changes in learning approach. Recommendations included reducing the number of assignments, integrating theory and practice, and having an…

The University of Missouri-Columbia Sinclair School of Nursing collaborates with Moberly Area Community College in providing holistic health care services to rural college students. This academic nursing center is based on nursing models rather than medical models of health. (JOW)

Reports on an art therapy intervention which was implemented with 20 elderly nursing home residents so as to improve their psychological well-being. Program evaluation included self-evaluations, case progress notes, journal notes, and photography. Results indicate that participants showed significantly improved measures of self-esteem, and reduced…

Hospital nurses (n=37) described their continuing education activities, identifying the use of a variety of learning resources, but overall little participation in formal continuing education on their own time and at their own expense. Many deterrents and low supervisor expectations limited the use of paid educational days. (SK)