Nichols LS, Pollio EW, Patton E, Johnson C, Shirey MR. Curricular and Clinical Innovation Engaging Undergraduate Nursing Students to Build a Resilient Primary Care Workforce.
Nurse Educ 2022;
47:213-218. [PMID:
35113055 DOI:
10.1097/nne.0000000000001144]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Primary care health settings provide access to services for underserved populations, yet baccalaureate (BSN)-prepared nurses are currently underutilized on the primary care health care team.
PROBLEM
BSN curricula often focus on acute care settings for clinical experiences, and students may not be aware of the scope and impact the RN has in a primary care setting. This gap in experiences may lead to overlooking primary care employment opportunities.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this article is to describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative course that builds the primary care nurse workforce capacity.
APPROACH
An undergraduate elective course focusing on primary care didactic and clinical experiences was created.
OUTCOMES
Qualitative student feedback regarding the course was positive, while quantitative data revealed an above-average course outcome rating.
CONCLUSIONS
An effective intervention to increase workforce capacity in primary care settings is to immerse students in primary care concepts and experiences in a formal, combined didactic and clinical course.
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