Unexpected Learning Opportunities for Nursing Students.

ABSTRACT: Restrictions on groups and public gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic have limited in-person learning experiences for nursing students. But the crisis has also led to unanticipated opportunities. In this article, we describe how participation in vaccination clinics at our university offered students occasions for experiential learning that aren't normally part of nursing education. Volunteering at these clinics allowed our students to practice important skills while participating in efforts to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

An Examination of Factors Affecting Quality of Life for Children With Asthma and Their Caregivers in Southeastern Georgia.

INTRODUCTION: Despite effective treatments and interventions, asthma continues to affect children's health-related quality of life (QOL). This study explored factors affecting QOL of children with asthma and their caregivers. METHODS: A mixed-model design was used. Children (7-17 years) completed the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, and parents/caregivers completed the Paediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life Questionnaire. These surveys focused on activity limitations, emotional function, and child symptoms. RESULTS: The sample included 104 children and 104 caregivers. Analysis showed emergency department (ED) visits as a significant predictor of QOL for children in the domains of Physical Activity, Emotional, and Symptoms. Increased ED visits and reliever medication use predicted lower emotional QOL and physical QOL for parents, whereas increased use of controller medications predicated improved physical QOL. DISCUSSION: Factors contributing to QOL, along with characteristics of those with the lowest QOL indicators, have been determined. Identification of interventions to reduce ED visits warrants further investigation.