Two-Day Curriculum Retreat: An Innovative Response to the Call for Reform.

This article outlines processes followed during a two-day offsite retreat for nurse faculty planned for the purpose of curricular redesign and content mapping. Faculty identified and leveled content for all baccalaureate clinical courses and engaged in dialogue specific to promoting student connections between didactic and clinical outcomes. Faculty developed two core simulation scenarios for every clinical course and leveled learning outcomes for each. Faculty defined where within the curriculum key concepts were introduced and planned depth of knowledge, application, and synthesis from sophomore through senior levels. Evaluation revealed the process led faculty to a stronger overall understanding of the curriculum.

Exercise intervention for fatigue-related symptoms in Thai women with breast cancer: A pilot study.

The purpose of this pilot study was to preliminarily examine the effects of an exercise program on the symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood disturbance, symptom distress, and physical fitness for Thai women with breast cancer. Twenty-three eligible women were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 11) or to a control group (n = 12). Data were collected and analyzed at baseline and again at 4, 7, and 10 weeks. At each time point, fatigue was measured at an expected high point during treatment. Participants in the exercise group demonstrated a trend toward improving the symptoms with mean score changes. Using generalized estimating equations analysis, a significant decrease in mood disturbance was found in the exercise group compared with control at 10 weeks (ß = 0.03, P = 0.04). The participants exhibited significantly longer 12-minute walk distance at 10 weeks than those in the control group (t = 2.28, P = 0.04). These results indicate that exercise during adjuvant chemotherapy may be beneficial for Thai women with breast cancer.

Using a train-the-trainer model to prepare educators for simulation instruction.

Staff development departments are challenged with addressing the entry of new graduates into the work force, updating the competencies of practicing nurses, and providing nurses with educational support to reduce turnover. Knowing how to develop simulations, integrate them into teaching, and effectively assess simulated performance is becoming a core role for educators in health care. For many educators, a knowledge and skill gap exists between the demand for simulation and competence in developing and using simulation. This article shares a cost-effective, three-step train-the-trainer model to prepare nurse educators to use simulation effectively. The three steps include champion identification, champion development, and champion integration. Strategies for addressing the challenges and lessons learned in implementing this model are outlined. The model is an effective and efficient approach for developing a core of champions in any topic area. These champions can then mentor and train others throughout the organization.

Enhancing breast health in rural populations: clinical nurse specialist as the key.

Four clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) were funded for a project to increase breast cancer (BC) screening practices and the knowledge of BC risk factors for women in 4 medically underserved rural counties. The goal was to implement a program to increase knowledge of breast health practices, increase access to mammography, establish linkages among CNSs and community organizations, and increase resources for breast health education and screening. Phase I: A training program (focusing on breast health, breast cancer, and screening) was presented to public health nurses from each of the 4 counties. Phase II: Project and public health nurses teamed to provide an education and screening program for rural area women. The program involved making mammograms available at no cost through a mobile mammography unit that was brought to each county. Mammograms and educational programs were provided to 141 women. The project team was clearly able to function as both clinical experts and clinical leaders. The spheres of influence for these 4 CNSs included patient/client (rural women), nursing personnel (county health department nurses), and organization/network (state health department and governmental bodies). This project, based on the Logic Model, can serve as a framework for delivering care in underserved, rural populations.

Logic model use for breast health in rural communities.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of a logic model methodology in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a regionally based cancer health network. DATA SOURCES: Published articles; online references; published reports from government, state, and private organizations; and regional breast health project results. DATA SYNTHESIS: Through the use of the logic model, the program objectives and outcomes were identified and actualized. CONCLUSIONS: The logic model served as a framework for developing the key components of the program: infrastructure, implementation, and sustainability. Supportive structures, such as the timeline, process evaluation, and outcome evaluation plan, enhanced the use of the logic model by adding clarity to program development and program evaluation. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses, particularly advanced practice nurses and nurse managers, play a key role in leading program development. A logic model can be used to guide program development, implementation, and evaluation. It serves as an excellent framework for developing a program that integrates service, practice, and research.