Development of a scripted unfolding case study focusing on delirium in older adults.

This article describes the process of developing and implementing a scripted unfolding case study about delirium as part of a continuing education program for nursing staff. This innovative instructional strategy allows learners to evaluate a situation as it unfolds, practice assessment and communication skills, and reflect on potential problems and solutions. Using the detection and treatment of delirium as an example, the authors describe a template for developing a low-cost, low-fidelity case simulation that includes identifying the key concepts and competencies; writing behavioral learning objectives; creating the story; and identifying clinical decision-making points for discussion. Positive evaluations by program participants (registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing assistants) indicate that this methodology encourages interactive learning of key concepts in geriatric nursing among participants with varying years of experience.

Using clinical simulations in geriatric nursing continuing education.

Accompanying an increased number of older adults in the population is the need for knowledgeable and clinically competent nurses to provide care for this group, especially those experiencing sudden changes in health status. A continuing education program was designed to improve geriatric nursing competencies through the use of clinical simulations. Three-day nurse educator institutes and one-day workshops for registered and licensed practical nurses were offered to 312 nurses. The clinical simulations that were developed specifically focused on acute health events or conditions. Specific geriatric clinical competencies were also emphasized. Different types of clinical simulations included unfolding cases, use of a human patient simulator, and online case studies. Geriatric nursing knowledge significantly increased and clinical simulations were well-received. Clinical simulations involving the human patient simulator were highly rated. Clinical simulations are an excellent teaching strategy to help nurses increase knowledge and skill in caring for older adults.

Faculty development: doing more with less.

Faculty development is essential to prepare novice nurse educators for their teaching role and to keep experienced faculty up to date with new educational approaches. This article describes a comprehensive and cost-effective program for faculty development that builds on the expertise of current faculty to educate, guide, and support colleagues, and foster their career development. The faculty development program includes an annual clinical faculty workshop; monthly face-to-face and online educational programs; a formal mentoring program for novice teachers and faculty members new to the school; programs for professional and career development; and a website for faculty orientation and continued learning.