Student Nurses Participate in Public Health Research and Practice Through a School-Based Screening Program

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions among children in minority populations, placing them at risk for diabetes and hypertension. The importance of educating a generation of nurses who have the knowledge, skills, and passion to address this public health need is crucial to the profession and to America's health. This article describes the use of a Community Partnership Model to frame baccalaureate nursing students' (B.S.N.) service learning within the context of a research study to screen middle- and high-school students for health risks. The missions of education, research, and practice are linked together in the model by three processes: evidence-based practice, service learning, and scholarly teaching. The aim of the project was early identification of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes and their predictors in a high-risk student population, between 12 and 19 years of age. Early evidence indicates that the model is feasible and effective for directing student learning and addressing public health problems in the community.

Perceptions of practicing CNSs about their future role

With the evolution of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and nurse practitioner (NP) roles and with the changes in the healthcare delivery system, recent debate in advanced practice nursing has centered on blending or merging the roles to meet future healthcare needs. To determine the views of CNSs, the University of Texas at Houston Health Science Center School of Nursing conducted a survey of 80 nurses (all active graduate program preceptors) functioning in the CNS role in the Houston area. Respondents were asked whether they felt the role should be deleted or merged, their ideas for the future of the role, and how education could better prepare the CNS student. Forty-two questionnaires were returned (53% return). Twenty-nine (71%) respondents did not want the role deleted, seven (17%) favored deletion of the CNS role, five (12%) favored blending the CNS and NP roles, and one (0.02%) suggested the title of acute care nurse practitioner. Although the survey's results did not show overwhelming support for either deletion or merging of the CNS role, valuable information was gathered from the responses. The CNS community identified recommendations that will help shape our focus for practice and guide us in educational design in curriculum revision.

Coordinating a successful discharge plan

Whether you're working with a team or serving as liaison to a specially designated home care coordinator, your role is crucial in paving the way home for your patient. Here are the essential steps to take.