Short-term, intensive neurodevelopmental treatment program experiences of parents and their children with disabilities.

PURPOSE: Parents' perspectives on intervention and functional changes in children were investigated following an intensive neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) program of 1 to 2 weeks (5 consecutive days per week; 2-4 h/d). METHODS: Thirteen parents and their children (aged 1-17 years) with neuromotor conditions participated in a short-term, intensive program conducted by NDT certified pediatric therapists. A mixed-method design was used: a qualitative phenomenological approach of inquiry for parent perspectives and a pre/posttest quasi-experimental design for weekly intervention changes using Goal Attainment Scaling and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. RESULTS: Through interviews, parents reported positive experiences with the intensive NDT program. Child participants demonstrated significant improvements in Goal Attainment Scaling (P < .001) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (P < .001) scores pre- to postintervention. CONCLUSIONS: A short-term, intensive NDT program was perceived by parents as beneficial and supported functional improvements. Valued were expert, compassionate therapists; collaboration; objective goals; home programming; and individualized intervention. Scheduling, financial support, and fatigue were difficulties.

Transition to nursing practice of accelerated second-degree baccalaureate students using clinical coaches.

Among the challenges currently facing nursing is the need for new graduates who are competent to begin providing complex patient care. Innovations in nursing education must lead to outcomes that bridge the gap between nursing education and the beginning competencies that employers need in newly hired graduates. One method for preparing students for patient care is the clinical coach model. This model involves placing a student nurse with an experienced, baccalaureate-prepared staff nurse for 12 months of clinical experience. The student works the same schedule as the coach rather than with a series of preceptors on different units. Coaches attend training conducted by school of nursing faculty, using high-fidelity simulation with clinical scenarios. Coaches and students are supported through weekly visits by clinical faculty. This model of clinical education is one method that provides innovation for clinical nursing education and a foundation for further research.