Haley P. Strickland

Unfolding case studies as a formative teaching methodology for novice nursing students.

Nurse educators are challenged to incorporate evidence-based practice initiatives into content-laden curricula in a manner that supports learner-centered teaching environments. This article describes a technique for using unfolding case studies to include such initiatives in the teaching of novice nursing students, as opposed to summative evaluation of their knowledge. Modeled after Kolbs experiential learning theory, a framework for unfolding case studies is presented, which proposes that instead of faculty selecting scenarios for students, they should instead challenge students to directly and creatively develop their own. Small student groups used creative collaboration to create well-planned, complex case study scenarios that unfolded in surprising, realistic ways. This instructional method was met with positive student feedback; however, the authors suggest several recommendations for educators considering this approach. The authors found this framework to be a successful and effective strategy for undergraduate novice nursing students.

Comparing traditional measures of academic success with emotional intelligence scores in nursing students

Objective: Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to perceive emotions, to access and generate emotions so as to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth. EI is increasingly discussed in healthcare as having a potential role in nursing. The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the causal relationship between EI scores and the traditional academic admission criteria (GPA) and evaluation methods of a baccalaureate nursing program. Methods: The sample included second semester upper division nursing students (n = 85). EI was measured using the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). Results: The results of the statistical analysis (MANOVA, ANOVA and Pearson correlational coefficient) found no significant relationships or correlations with the current methods of evaluation for admission to nursing school or the evaluation methods used once students are in the nursing program. Conclusions: These results imply that assessing a nursing student′s EI is measuring a different type of intelligence than that represented by academic achievement. Based on the findings of this study and the current state of nursing education, EI abilities should be included as part of the admission criteria for nursing programs.

Clinical Judgment During Simulation: A Comparison of Student and Faculty Scores

Abstract This study utilized the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric (LCJR) to investigate the relationship between the student’s self-assessment of clinical judgment skills and the faculty’s assessment during a human patient simulation. The study used a quantitative design with baccalaureate nursing students (n = 94) enrolled in an adult health course as participants. The data revealed a positive correlation between evaluator and student scores on the LCJR. The findings support the use of the LCJR in combination with simulation to evaluate nursing students’ clinical judgment skills and to quantify competency levels.