Creating a path for indigenous student success in baccalaureate nursing education.

To enhance recruitment and retention of indigenous peoples in nursing education, the University of Manitoba launched a cohort initiative in 2007. In this article, we describe the background, implementation, and evaluation of the initiative. Indigenous epistemology was integrated into the curriculum and pedagogy of prerequisite and beginning nursing courses. A cohort approach encourages peer support, which boosts individual and group strengths and academic success. Courses provide students with information about traditional indigenous knowledge, "Western" science, and how the history of colonialism continues to impact indigenous peoples in North America. Using the same instructors and advisors, in concert with tutoring, manageable course loads, and a culturally supportive environment, forges a path for success in indigenous students pursuing a baccalaureate nursing education. Key elements in the initiative may be adopted by nurse administrators and educators globally to inform the development of undergraduate nursing programs for indigenous peoples.

Nursing students with disabilities: one faculty's journey.

Legislation requires universities to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to facilitate their access to post-secondary education. In the case of professional programs, educators must think beyond the classroom and consider the implications for clinical practice. The nature of some students' accommodations prompted concerns about the students' ability to meet program expectations. This paper describes the explorations and actions of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Nursing regarding working with undergraduate nursing students with disabilities. The paper includes a summary of literature, strategies adopted to facilitate access to nursing education for students with disabilities, and issues that require further attention.

Health promotion and tobacco control: student nurses' perspectives.

This article reports findings about student nurses' understanding of the nursing role in health promotion related to tobacco issues. These findings were derived from the data of a larger project, examining smoking practices of baccalaureate nursing students in Manitoba, Canada. The study was conducted with second-year, third-year, and fourth-year university nursing students studying at several sites throughout the province (N = 272). From the data analysis of the interviews, class forums, and open-ended survey questions, five themes emerged (i.e., who they are-who they are becoming, central beliefs and attitudes, learning the facts, practice world-limited options, role conflict). Students expressed considerable uncertainty and conflict concerning individual autonomy around decisions about tobacco use. This resulted in confusion about themselves as role models and their use of health promotion interventions.

Tobacco use and baccalaureate nursing students: a study of their attitudes, beliefs and personal behaviours.

AIM: To report findings about student nurses' attitudes, beliefs and personal behaviour in relation to tobacco issues. RATIONALE: Nurses have the potential to influence clients' behaviours and public policy concerning tobacco use. However, a review of the literature suggests that this is not happening. Further understanding of nursing students' attitudes, beliefs and behaviours regarding tobacco use is needed in order to develop strategies which can positively impact on their future health promotion role. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of the total population of baccalaureate nursing students in one Canadian province was employed. Students were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire, which included questions related to their smoking history; stage of behavioural change, and beliefs and attitudes towards tobacco. Students also completed the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) and the Fagerström Nicotine Tolerance Scale. FINDINGS: Two hundred and seventy-two students (61.9%) responded. Sixty (22.1%) indicated that they smoked daily or in social situations. These smokers were found to have a fairly low level of nicotine dependence and although 91.4% said they wanted to quit, few were actively engaged in the quitting process (16.9%). When comparing the beliefs and attitudes of smoking and non-smoking students, proportionally more of the non-smokers agreed that smokers will need close family/friends to help them quit; that the health of society should be protected by laws against smoking; and that nurses should set a non-smoking example. Non-smokers indicated more health promoting behaviours on items in the HPLP especially on the variables of physical activity, nutrition and stress management. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses have the potential to influence clients' behaviours and public policy concerning tobacco use. Developing future nurses with the knowledge and skill to do so needs to be an important emphasis of nursing curricula.