Fatores de estresse em estudantes de enfermagem na realização de atividades teórico-práticas da formação acadêmica / Factores de estrés en estudiantes de enfermería en la realización de actividades teórico-prácticas de la formación académica / Stress factors in nursing students in the realization of theoretical-practical activities of academic training

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar os fatores de estresse comumente vivenciados por estudantes do curso de Enfermagem na realização de atividades teóricas e práticas da formação acadêmica. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal, desenvolvido com 142 discentes do curso de Enfermagem de uma universidade pública localizada em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados em fevereiro de 2020 por meio de questionário sociodemográfico/acadêmico e da escala de Avaliação de Estresse em Estudantes de Enfermagem e, posteriormente, analisados de maneira descritiva, segundo a moda e percentis superiores e inferiores à moda das variáveis. Resultados: medo de cometer erros durante a assistência ao paciente (57,4%), sentimento de ter adquirido pouco conhecimento para fazer provas práticas (52,1%), insegurança ou medo de fazer provas teóricas (44,7%) e obrigatoriedade de realizar trabalhos extraclasse (41,5%) foram fatores que provocaram níveis muito altos de estresse entre os estudantes. Conclusão: os resultados podem auxiliar faculdades de Enfermagem no planejamento e fortalecimento de intervenções preventivas com foco no gerenciamento do estresse e seu enfrentamento.

RESUMEN Objetivo: verificar los factores de estrés comúnmente experimentados por estudiantes del curso de Enfermería en la realización de actividades teóricas y prácticas de la formación académica. Método: estudio descriptivo, transversal, desarrollado con 142 discentes del curso de Enfermería de una universidad pública ubicada en Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Los datos fueron recogidos en febrero de 2020 a través de cuestionario sociodemográfico/académico y de la escala de Evaluación de Estrés en Estudiantes de Enfermería y, posteriormente, analizados de manera descriptiva, según la moda y percentiles superiores e inferiores a la moda de las variables. Resultados: miedo de cometer errores durante la atención al paciente (57,4%), sentimiento de haber adquirido poco conocimiento para hacer pruebas prácticas (52,1%), inseguridad o miedo de hacer pruebas teóricas (44,7%) y obligatoriedad de realizar trabajos extraclase (41,5%) fueron factores que provocaron niveles muy altos de estrés entre los estudiantes. Conclusión: los resultados pueden auxiliar facultades de Enfermería en la planificación y fortalecimiento de intervenciones preventivas con enfoque en el manejo del estrés y su enfrentamiento.

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify the stress factors commonly experienced by nursing students in carrying out theoretical and practical activities of academic training. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional study, developed with 142 students of the nursing course of a public university located in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Data were collected in February 2020 through a sociodemographic/academic questionnaire and the Stress Assessment scale in Nursing Students and, later, analyzed descriptively, according to fashion and upper and lower percentiles than the fashion of the variables. Results: fear of making mistakes during patient care (57.4%), feeling of having acquired little knowledge to take practical tests (52.1%), insecurity or fear of taking theoretical tests (44.7%) and mandatory to perform extra-class work (41.5%) were factors that caused very high levels of stress among students. Conclusion: the results can help nursing colleges in the planning and strengthening of preventive interventions focused on stress management and coping.

Hábitos de vida y rendimiento académico en periodo evaluativo en estudiantes de enfermería / Life Habits and Academic Performance during the Examination Period in Nursing Students

Introducción: Los hábitos de vida de los estudiantes universitarios, con poco tiempo para su realización debido al estrés académico, prácticas, horario de clase y estudio, suelen ser poco saludables, por tanto, pueden influir negativamente en el rendimiento académico. Objetivo: Analizar los hábitos de vida en periodo evaluativo y su influencia en el rendimiento académico en estudiantes universitarios del grado en enfermería. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo de tipo transversal realizado en el momento del examen a 488 estudiantes de los cuatro cursos del grado en enfermería de una universidad al sur de España, en el curso académico 2018. Los instrumentos empleados fueron: un cuestionario con datos sociodemográficos y otro cuestionario de hábitos de estilo de vida. El análisis de la información se realizó través de estadísticos descriptivos, pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas y correlación lineal. Se respetaron las consideraciones éticas para estudios con humanos. Resultados: El 53,30 por ciento de la muestra realizaba ejercicio físico de forma regular, siendo similar en los cuatro cursos evaluados para los hombres mientras que en las mujeres aumentó de 31,11 por ciento en 1º a 61,26 por ciento en 4º curso. No diferencias relevantes en el rendimiento académico según variables de estilo de vida excepto sueño. Conclusiones: Las horas de sueño dormidas, sobre todo la semana previa al examen se relacionan con mayor rendimiento académico. Nuestros resultados sugieren que los estilos de vida menos saludables conllevan a peor rendimiento académico(AU)

Introduction: The life habits of university students, with little time to carry them out due to academic stress, practices, class and study hours, are usually unhealthy; therefore, they can influence academic performance negatively. Objective: To analyze life habits in the evaluation period and their influence on academic performance in university students of the Nursing degree. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional and observational study carried out, in the academic year 2018, at the time of examination with 488 students from the four courses of the Nursing degree from a university in southern Spain. The instruments used were a questionnaire with sociodemographic data and another lifestyle habits quiz. Information analysis was carried out through descriptive statistics, parametric and nonparametric tests, and linear correlation. Ethical considerations for human studies were respected. Results: 53.30 percent of the sample did physical exercise on a regular basis, being similar for men in the four courses assessed, while for women it increased from 31.11 percent in first academic year to 61.26 percent in the fourth academic year. There were no relevant differences in academic performance according to lifestyle variables except sleep. Conclusions: The hours of sleep per se, especially during the week before the exam, are related to higher academic performance. Our results suggest that less healthy lifestyles lead to poorer academic performance(AU)

Articulação teórico-prática em um currículo de um curso de Enfermagem / Articulación teórico-práctica en un currículo de un curso de Enfermería / Theoretical-practical articulation in a curriculum of a Nursing course

RESUMO Objetivo Compreender como a articulação teórico-prática se efetiva num currículo de um curso de graduação em Enfermagem. Método Trata-se de um estudo de caso único, com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido por meio de análise documental e por entrevistas individuais com roteiro semiestruturado com dez docentes e 14 discentes entrevistados no período de fevereiro a maio de 2015. A análise dos dados foi realizada segundo os pressupostos da Análise Crítica do Discurso. Resultados Os dados revelaram a existência de tensões e ambivalências entre duas formas de relação entre teoria e prática. A primeira, relacionada à teoria-prática como unidade indissolúvel e a segunda à visão da teoria e prática como instâncias dicotômicas e predomínio da teoria precedendo a prática. Conclusões e implicações para a prática Há fragilidades na efetivação da articulação teórico-prática no currículo do curso de Enfermagem investigado, evidenciando a supremacia do paradigma cartesiano no ensino superior de Enfermagem. Dessa forma, torna-se premente instituir estratégias que viabilizem a indissociabilidade teórico-prática no currículo.

RESUMEN Objetivo Comprender cómo la articulación teórico-práctica es efectiva en un plan de estudios de un curso de pregrado en Enfermería. Método Este es un estudio de caso único, con enfoque cualitativo, desarrollado a través del análisis de documentos y entrevistas individuales con guiones semiestructurados con diez maestros y 14 estudiantes entrevistados de febrero a mayo de 2015. El análisis de datos fue realizado de acuerdo con los supuestos del análisis crítico del discurso. Resultados Los datos revelaron la existencia de tensiones y ambivalencias entre dos formas de relación entre teoría y práctica. El primero, relacionado con la teoría-práctica como una unidad indisoluble y el segundo con la visión de la teoría y la práctica como instancias dicotómicas y el predominio de la teoría que precede a la práctica. Conclusiones e implicaciones para la práctica Existen debilidades en la implementación de la articulación teórica y práctica en el currículo del curso de Enfermería investigado, lo que demuestra la supremacía del paradigma cartesiano en la educación superior en Enfermería. Por lo tanto, es urgente establecer estrategias que permitan la inseparabilidad teórica y práctica en el currículo.

ABSTRACT Objective To understand how the theoretical-practical articulation is effective in a curriculum of an undergraduate Nursing course. Method This is a unique case study, with a qualitative approach, developed through document analysis and individual interviews with semi-structured script with 10 teachers and 14 students interviewed from February to May 2015. Data analysis was performed according to the assumptions of Critical Discourse Analysis. Results The data revealed the existence of tensions and ambivalences among two forms of relationship between theory and practice. The first, related to theory-practice as an indissoluble unit and the second, to the view of theory and practice as dichotomous instances and the predominance of theory preceding practice. Conclusions and implications for practice There are weaknesses in the implementation of theoretical and practical articulation in the curriculum of the Nursing course investigated, showing the supremacy of the cartesian paradigm in higher education in Nursing. Thus, it is urgent to institute strategies that enable the theoretical-practical inseparability in the curriculum.

Patient safety education of the graduation in Nursing from the teaching perspective / Enseña sobre Seguridad del Paciente en curso de graduación en Enfermería en la perspectiva docente / Ensino sobre Segurança do Paciente em curso de graduação em Enfermagem na perspectiva docente

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify contents related to Patient Safety contemplated in the curricular units of a Nursing undergraduate course, according to the teachers who work in it, and to know the teaching methodologies and evaluation strategies used. Method: descriptive case study, carried out with 15 professors of the Nursing undergraduate course of a Brazilian public institution, in 2014, who answered an online questionnaire. For data analysis, the guide of the World Health Organization was used as reference. Results: it was verified that patient safety contents are developed in the undergraduate course, referring to eight topics mentioned in the World Health Organization guide. There was a lack of contents of the topics "What is Patient Safety", "Why applying human factors is important for Patient Safety"; and "Learning from errors to prevent harm". The use of different teaching methodologies and evaluation strategies, both traditional and innovative, was identified. Conclusion and implications for the practice: the pedagogical project of the course must be revised, to align content, teaching methodologies and evaluation strategies and to promote the full development of this subject, both in the undergraduate Nursing course and in the other courses of the Health area.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar los contenidos relacionados a la Seguridad del Paciente contemplados en las unidades curriculares de un curso de graduación en Enfermería, según docentes que en él actúan y conocer las metodologías de enseñanza y las estrategias de evaluación utilizadas. Método: estudio de caso descriptivo, realizado con 15 docentes del curso de graduación en Enfermería de una institución pública brasileña, en 2014, que respondieron a un cuestionario en línea. Para el análisis de los datos, se tomó como referencia la guía de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Resultados: se verificó que contenidos sobre la Seguridad del Paciente se desarrollan en el curso de graduación, referentes a ocho tópicos citados en la guía de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se observó la falta de contenidos de los tópicos "Qué es la Seguridad del Paciente", "Por qué emplear factores humanos es importante para la Seguridad del Paciente" y "Aprender con los errores para evitar daños". Se identificó la utilización de diversas metodologías de enseñanza y estrategias de evaluación, tanto tradicionales como innovadoras. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica: se hace necesaria la revisión del proyecto pedagógico del curso, para alinear contenidos, metodologías de enseñanza y estrategias de evaluación y favorecer el desarrollo pleno de esta temática, tanto en el curso de graduación en Enfermería como en los demás cursos de la enseñanza del área de la Salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar os conteúdos relacionados à Segurança do Paciente contemplados nas unidades curriculares de um curso de graduação em Enfermagem, segundo docentes que nele atuam e conhecer as metodologias de ensino e avaliação utilizadas. Método: estudo de caso descritivo, realizado com 15 docentes do curso de graduação em Enfermagem de uma instituição pública brasileira, em 2014, que responderam a um questionário online. Para a análise dos dados, tomou-se como referência o guia da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Resultados: verificou-se que os conteúdos sobre Segurança do Paciente são desenvolvidos no curso de graduação, referentes a oito tópicos citados no guia. Observou-se a falta de conteúdos relacionados aos tópicos "O que é a Segurança do Paciente", "Por que empregar fatores humanos é importante para a Segurança do Paciente" e "Aprender com os erros para evitar danos". Foi identificada a utilização de diversas metodologias de ensino e estratégias de avaliação, tanto tradicionais quanto inovadoras. Conclusão e implicações para a prática: faz-se necessária a revisão do projeto pedagógico do curso para alinhar conteúdos, metodologias de ensino e estratégias de avaliação e favorecer o desenvolvimento pleno dessa temática, tanto no curso de graduação em Enfermagem quanto nos demais cursos da área da Saúde.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flexible Option for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Completion.

The 2010 "Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health" report from the Institute of Medicine recommended that 80% of registered nurses (RNs) obtain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree by 2020. Hospitals with BSN nurses have reduced morbidity and mortality. In 2014, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin-Extension launched the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option BSN (UW Flex BSN) as an additional model for BSN degree completion, adding to the in-person and online delivery models already being offered.In this article, the authors examine the decision to launch the UW Flex BSN program as a competency-based, time-variable approach to RN-to-BSN degree completion. They discuss the factors contributing to its success (including proactive, wraparound support for students through the use of academic success coaches and regular and substantive interaction with faculty), design and program elements and decisions, and continuing challenges that have yet to be resolved.UW Flex BSN is one version of direct-assessment, competency-based education, and it represents the first of its kind in a public institution for postlicensure BSN degree completion. The program meets all Higher Learning Commission standards and requirements and is grounded in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Baccalaureate Essentials and program quality standards. The UW Flex BSN for degree completion is a successful example of a competency-based, time-variable education model that has been applied in a practice discipline.

Clinical Supervision and Support: Exploring Pre-registration Nursing Students' Clinical Practice in Malawi.

BACKGROUND: Supervised clinical practice plays a significant role in the nursing profession, as it has an influence on the students' clinical learning. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore how the pre-registration nursing students find their experience on clinical supervision in the clinical placements. METHODS: The study used both quantitative and qualitative approach to collect data through focus groups (n = 144) and self-administered questionnaires (n = 590) from nursing students of various programmes in selected colleges in Malawi. RESULTS: About 75% (n = 443) of the participants indicated that they received supervision from both clinical staff and Nurse Educator. However, qualitative results indicated that students received inadequate clinical supervision. Themes that emerged from the discussion included lack of human resources, learning support, availability of instructors yet not supporting learning, job insecurity and lack of remuneration as reasons for lack of supervision, role models and student guidance despite pressure and self-directed. CONCLUSION: There is a need for clear policies regarding clinical supervision as well as a structured and well monitored process.

Metodologias ativas de ensino-aprendizagem no processo de ensino em saúde no Brasil: uma revisão narrativa / Active teaching-learning methodologies in the teaching health process in Brazil: a narrative review

Nas últimas décadas, a formação dos profissionais de saúde tornou-se um ponto importante a ser discutido. O novo profissional desejado pelas últimas reformas curriculares dos cursos da área da saúde tem perfil humanista, crítico e reflexivo, para atuar em todos os níveis de atenção à saúde. Apesar disso, a educação dos profissionais de saúde ainda é, na maioria das vezes, baseada em um modelo fragmentado do saber, desconsiderando as necessidades de atuação na prática. Neste contexto, surgem as metodologias ativas de ensino-aprendizagem (MAEA), que propõem desafios a serem superados pelos estudantes, possibilitando-lhes ocupar o lugar de sujeitos na construção do conhecimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar artigos disponíveis em periódicos científicos que exemplificassem o uso de MAEA no processo de ensino nos cursos de graduação da área da saúde, com ênfase na realidade brasileira. A busca foi realizada através das bases de dados PubMed, SciELO e BVS, nas quais foram selecionados artigos científicos de relatos de experiência em português. Os resultados relatados nos artigos foram positivos em relação ao uso das MAEA no processo de ensino em saúde durante a graduação (AU)

In the last decades, the training of health professionals has become an important point to be discussed. The new professional required by the latest curricular reforms in health courses has a humanist, critical and reflective profile, to work at all levels of health care. In spite of this, the education of health professionals is still mostly based on a fragmented model of knowledge, disregarding the needs of action in practice. In this context, active teaching-learning methodologies (ATLM) propose challenges to be overcome by students, enabling them to act as subjects in the construction of knowledge. The aim of this study was to select and categorize articles available in scientific journals that exemplify the use of ATLM in the teaching process in undergraduate courses in the health area, with focus on the Brazilian reality. The search was carried out through PubMed, SciELO and BVS databases, from which scientific papers presenting experience reports in Portuguese were selected. The results reported in the articles were positive regarding the use of ATLM in the health teaching process during undergraduate studies (AU)

Systematic Review: Bridging the Gap in RPN-to-RN Transitions.

PURPOSE: To review the evidence examining the influences of successful education and professional role transition for registered practical nurses (RPNs) pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BScN) and registered nurse (RN) licensure through RPN-to-RN bridging programs. DESIGN: Systematic review of papers published between 1995 and 2014 that evaluated students' education and professional role transitions from RPN to RN. METHODS: Thirty-nine papers were selected that observed or studied the change or transition in designation from RPN to RN, or its equivalent, through bridging programs and analyzed thematically according to Meleis, Sawyer, Im, Hilfinger Messias, and Schumacher's transition model. FINDINGS: Personal, community, and social conditions related to preparation for entry, program enrolment, and postgraduate clinical integration influence successful education and professional role transitions for RPN-to-RN bridging students. CONCLUSIONS: Providing key transition supports may enhance the potential for successful student transition into and throughout a bridging program, but further research is necessary to enhance this understanding and to recommend best practices for optimizing students' success. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The evidence from this review identifies facilitators and barriers to successful education and professional role transition for RPN-to-RN bridging students, and identifies important considerations for future research.

Participation in clinical supervision (PACS): an evaluation of student nurse clinical supervision facilitated by mental health service users.

This paper discusses an innovative learning approach in which people having experience of mental health services facilitated humanistic clinical supervision with groups of student nurses in the classroom. A four-day course of preparation for the role of supervisor is described and the results of subsequent clinical supervision sessions are analysed. Seven service users who had previous experience of teaching students in the classroom and fifty students on a Diploma/BSc in mental health nursing course participated in the project, which was evaluated through focus groups. The results indicated that the service user supervisors appreciated the skills they had gained on the course and felt that they were more appropriate than lecturers to facilitate clinical supervision sessions. Some students expressed initial uncertainty about the appropriateness of service users as supervisors but as changes to the pedagogical process of supervision were made and the supervisors gained more experience and confidence, students expressed greater satisfaction. The authors conclude that clinical supervision facilitated by service users who have preparation and continual support can add considerable value to the learning experience of student nurses.

Stress, depression, and anxiety among undergraduate nursing students.

Admission to a professional program marks the beginning of fulfilling a career goal. However, the rigors of professional education can be demanding. Stress, depression, and anxiety (SDA) can interfere with learning, affect academic performance, and impair clinical practice performance. Studies report a general increase in the severity of and extent of mental health problems among college/university students. The literature regarding nursing students' mental health distress identifies academic and personal sources of stress and coping efforts, with emphasis on the stress and anxiety associated with clinical practice. This cross-sectional descriptive exploratory study investigated levels of SDA among nursing students in 3 years of a university-based program. The association between quality of life indicators including known stressors, such as financial concerns and balance between school and personal life, and SDA was also investigated. Through an online survey, 437 participants from one mid-western Canadian undergraduate nursing program completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales and provided data on quality of life indicators and demographic information. Participants also were invited to provide narrative data about their experiences with SDA. This article will present significant findings including: levels of SDA; comparisons between our sample and a normative sample on the dimensions of SDA; and the results of multiple regression analysis identifying significant predictors of each dimension. Themes from the qualitative comments from 251 of the participants were identified and added depth and clarity to the quantitative findings. The predominant themes represented were: perceptions of clinical practice, coping, personal issues, and balancing school, work, and personal life. Implications and recommendations for curriculum design, ensuring students understand program expectations prior to admission, and enhancing accessibility to mental health/support services need to be considered.

[The nurse training reference framework in Ile-de-France]. / Le référentiel de formation en soins infirmiers en Ile-de-France.

In 2009, the changes introduced by the nurse training reference framework revolutionised the nursing curriculum. Partnerships were set up from the beginning of its implementation. The first three-year cycle has ended and the experience acquired opens up a new phase of further reflection and evolution.

The benefits of a simplified method for CPR training of medical professionals: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: We developed and tested a training method for basic life support incorporating defibrillator feedback during simulated cardiac arrest (CA) to determine the impact on the quality and retention of CPR skills. METHODS: 298 subjects were randomized into 3 groups. All groups received a 2h training session followed by a simulated CA test scenario, immediately after training and at 3 months. Controls used a non-feedback defibrillator during training and testing. Group 1 was trained and tested with an audiovisual feedback defibrillator. During training, Group 1 reviewed quantitative CPR data from the defibrillator. Group 2 was trained as per Group 1, but was tested using the non-feedback defibrillator. The primary outcome was difference in compression depth between groups at initial testing. Secondary outcomes included differences in rate, depth at retesting, compression fraction, and self-assessment. RESULTS: Groups 1 and 2 had significantly deeper compressions than the controls (35.3 ± 7.6 mm, 43.7 ± 5.8 mm, 42.2 ± 6.6 mm for controls, Groups 1 and 2, P=0.001 for Group 1 vs. controls; P=0.001 for Group 2 vs. controls). At three months, CPR depth was maintained in all groups but remained significantly higher in Group 1 (39.1 ± 9.9 mm, 47.0 ± 7.4 mm, 42.2 ± 8.4 mm for controls, Groups 1 and 2, P=0.001 for Group 1 vs. control). No significant differences were noted between groups in compression rate or fraction. CONCLUSIONS: A simplified 2h training method using audiovisual feedback combined with quantitative review of CPR performance improved CPR quality and retention of these skills.

An initial investigation of the applicability of the Dreyfus skill acquisition model to the professional development of nurse educators.

AIM: This investigation represents an attempt to design and validate a skill acquisition model for the nurse educator role. BACKGROUND: The preparation and role development of nurse educators has become a significant focus for the profession.The NLN Nurse Educator Competencies and skill acquisition theory provide a basis for studying skill acquisition among nurse educators. METHOD: A total of 339 nurse educators from North Carolina and West Virginia were surveyed using an instrument designed to assess skill among nurse educators. RESULTS: The survey discriminated among five levels of skill (novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert). Participants reported a proficient level of total skill acquisition and a proficient level for each of the eight NLN Nurse Educator Competencies. Internal consistency for the survey tool was high at .977. CONCLUSION: Results of this study add to the body of knowledge of skill acquisition, role development, and transition.The study provides a unique method to study skill acquisition.

Health, sustainability and student travel.

A survey of 246 pre-registration nursing students in a University in the South West of England was carried out to explore the impact of course related travel on the student experience. Results from the survey indicated that students' main mode of transport to practice placements was by car which reflects the rural nature of the South West and the relative paucity of public transport. Long distances that many students travel to their study centre and to placements, and the concurrent financial strain that this creates, impacted negatively on the student experience. Students recognised the need to travel to a place of study and clinical placements and suggestions of minimising the negative impact of travel were offered. These included the increased use of electronic delivery of lectures, attendance at local university premises, the provision of shared transport to placements and placements closer to the student's home. Few students, however, considered the environmental impact of travel. Higher Education Institutions need to address issues of sustainability through promoting student wellbeing and taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore important that student awareness of sustainability related issues is increased as well as focusing on reducing the environmental impact through organisational change.

The impact of a simulation lab experiencefor nursing students.

A simulation clinical learning experience was initiated by a diploma school of nursing at a multidisciplinary training and research facility for simulation-based education. The simulation focused on pediatric and obstetrical scenarios. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact simulation laboratory experiences have on critical thinking, student satisfaction, self-confidence, and cognitive learning. With 63 students participating over four semesters, a positive response was found for satisfaction and self-confidence in learning; there was also a significant increase in cognitive knowledge. No definitive conclusion regarding critical thinking was established, but a discovery was made regarding the importance of process during the simulation.

HeartCode BLS with voice assisted manikin for teaching nursing students: preliminary results.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of HeartCode BLS, a self-directed, computer-based course for obtaining basic life support (BLS) certification. For part 2 of the course, students learned and practiced their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) psychomotor skills on a voice assisted manikin (VAM). Students from 10 schools of nursing were randomly assigned to two types of CPR training: HeartCode BLS with VAM or the standard, instructor-led (IL) course with manikins that were not voice assisted; 264 students trained using HeartCode BLS and 339 had an IL course. When students passed their respective courses and were certified in BLS, their CPR skills were tested using the Laerdal PC SkillReporting System. Students who trained using HeartCode BLS and practiced their CPR skills on VAMs were significantly more accurate in their ventilations, compressions, and single-rescuer CPR than students who had the standard, IL course with regular manikins.

Association between academic and non-academic variables and academic success of diploma nursing students in Pakistan.

This paper reports findings of an exploratory study conducted to determine an association between academic and non-academic factors and academic success of nursing diploma students in a province of Pakistan. Data were collected from the academic records of a cohort of 628 students. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the predictive association between certain academic and non-academic factors and academic success of the students. Regression models for each of three years were developed. Results indicated academic factors including preadmission qualifications, previous academic performance, academic performance in year one, academic performance in year two and type of school are significantly associated with the academic success of the students. Among non-academic factors, gender and place of domicile were found to be significantly associated with the academic success of the students.

The role of the nurse lecturer in clinical practice in the Republic of Ireland.

Undergraduate nurse education in Ireland transferred into the third level sector in 2002. As a result nurse lecturers are expected to develop a model of clinical practice that enables them to be involved in practice and its development while maintaining their own nursing expertise and credibility [An Bord Altranais, 2005. Requirements and Standards for Nurse Registration Education Programmes, third ed. An Bord Altranais, Dublin]. In light of this the researchers set out to explore the perceptions of the nurse lecturers' role in clinical practice among nurse lecturers, preceptors, clinical nurse managers, clinical placement co-ordinators and students. A qualitative research design using focus groups was chosen. A purposive sampling strategy generated the sample for 5 in-depth focus group interviews with the aforementioned key stakeholders and the data was thematically analysed. Five themes emerged which centred on the maintenance of lecturers' clinical credibility, the lecturers' role as a resource to clinical staff, teaching and assessing students in practice, the value of fostering relationships in practice and role duplication. The findings from this study supports the anecdotal evidence that confusion exists around the role but more importantly it gives the nurse lecturer population guidance on how to develop the role in partnership with the various stakeholders in a way that supports the nursing students and clinical staff in practice in an effective manner.