Evaluation of critical thinking in a baccalaureate nursing program

The assessment of critical thinking traditionally has been accomplished through observation of students by faculty in clinical settings and evaluation of written patient assessments and care plans. Quantitative measurement has become a current focus of nurse educators. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare and contrast critical thinking abilities in beginning and graduating nursing students using the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) and the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI). The CCTST revealed a significant difference in critical thinking from the sophomore year to the senior year. There also were significant differences between sophomores and seniors on the overall score for the CCTDI, with subtest differences in truth-seeking, analyticity, self-confidence, and inquisitiveness.     

Pertussis infection in a baccalaureate nursing program: clinical implications, emerging issues, and recommendations

Pertussis is a significant public health problem with a dramatic rise in reported cases. Academic and clinical nursing educators are challenged to develop policies based on evolving national immunization guidelines. Of relevance to clinical educators, several outbreaks involving health care facilities and universities have been reported in the past few decades because of failure to adequately recognize pertussis infection and treat disease spread among adults and lack of control measures. The purpose of this article is to present information about pertussis transmission in a baccalaureate nursing program, outline actions taken, and explore emerging issues and recommendations.     

Predictors of successful completion of a baccalaureate nursing program

Reliable admission and progression criteria are important because limited clinical slots, qualified faculty, and financial resources restrict the enrollment capability. The increased emphasis on outcome criteria in nursing education gives added importance to determining predictors of success in baccalaureate nursing programs. The authors discuss a study that explored demographic variables and admission and progression criteria that were predictive of 278 students' completion or failure in a baccalaureate nursing program.     

The experiences of international nursing students in a baccalaureate nursing program.

International students, especially those with English as a second language (ESL), can have difficulty adjusting to university life in the United States and successfully completing the demands of a nursing program. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of international nursing students in a baccalaureate nursing program. Eight female Nigerian nursing students aged 25 to 48 who had been in the United States from 5 to 20 years were interviewed. Most (75 per cent) had some prior college experience, but only two had a baccalaureate degree. The data was analyzed by using a multifunctional computer software program and three themes emerged: social isolation, resolved attitudes, and persistence despite perceived obstacles. Factors contributing to each theme explained how these students progressed from their social isolation to their resolved attitudes. Their progression was marked by an acceptance of antagonistic attitudes found in the program and their development of persistence despite perceived obstacles. Their persistence was the impetus to achieve their overall goal of graduating from the program. Implications for nursing faculty include assisting these students through social and academic transitions and nursing administrators' provision of fiscal and support resources to facilitate effective integration of international students into the nursing program and the community.     

Outcomes of a holistic admissions process in a baccalaureate nursing program

A holistic admissions process was developed and implemented in a baccalaureate nursing program to improve student selection and student success. The goals were to increase multiple aspects of student diversity and to identify students with the potential for success and those who reflect the mission, vision, and core values of the school. A holistic admissions task force was formed in 2016 at the college of nursing (CON). The team created three measures of admission criteria: 1) open-ended essay questions providing for students to discuss relevant life experiences, 2) an online self-assessment of student attributes, and 3) overall and preprofessional grade point average (GPA) as metrics. Following the inception of the holistic admission process, student outcome data were reviewed with each admission cycle and the process was adjusted over time. Holistic admissions is a method of evaluating multiple dimensions of applicants for admission. Student success is impacted by many factors including teaching, individual behaviors, student support, and college progression and graduation standards.     

Using low-fidelity simulation with sophomore nursing students in a baccalaureate nursing program

Opportunities to achieve competency in the psychomotor and cognitive outcomes required of the nursing profession are limited due to shortages of clinical sites and situations. One solution is to use simulation to replicate some of the essential aspects of a clinical situation so it may be readily understood and managed when it occurs in reality. A program developed for sophomore students integrated the pharmacology, health assessment, and pathophysiology theory courses using low-fidelity simulation and computer-assisted instruction. The objectives of the program were based on Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competencies. The simulation strategies were evaluated using the Educational Practice Scale for Simulation, the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning questionnaire, and the Simulation Design Scale. The initial findings are encouraging for promoting active and diverse methods of learning, high and positive expectations for students, self-confidence, and collaborative team-building opportunities.     

Predicting the success of minority students in a baccalaureate nursing program

Entering grade point average (ENTGPA), American College Test Assessment (ACT), high school rank (HSRANK), high school GPA (HSGPA), number of college credit hours prior to program admission (HRSPTA), age at admission, and an index of applicant motivation and related experience (MEP) were investigated to determine the best predictive combination of variables for success among minorities in a baccalaureate nursing program. Final GPA, program completion, and State Board Examination (SBTPE) performance were used as indicators of success. Minority students (N = 145) admitted between 1971-1981 were identified by record review. Two minority subgroups, blacks (n = 111) and nonblack minorities (n = 34) were compared using multiple regression and discriminant analysis procedures. ACT was the strongest, most consistent predictor of SBTPE performance and final GPA for all minorities. ENTGPA and ACT provided substantial predictive power for both subgroups, but explained markedly less variance for blacks. HSGPA, HRSPTA, and HSRANK explained some variance differently by subgroup. ENTGPA provided the only discrimination between graduates and dropouts. Cognitive attributes are critical to academic success among minorities, although predictors may vary in explanatory power by minority group. Variables interfering with program completion need to be explored.     

Longitudinal evaluation of a live interactive video baccalaureate nursing program

Beginning with a brief history of a community-inspired distance education initiative, the authors describe how one college of nursing offers an entire generic bachelor of science in nursing program over live interactive video for nursing students at 2 distance sites. The 10-year longitudinal evaluation of student and program outcomes is presented. Student and program success is evidenced by congruence of grades and National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) pass rates between sites.