Many undergraduate baccalaureate nursing programs incorporate clinical emersion courses at the end of the program. Nursing capstone courses have become increasingly important in facilitating student transition into practice. However, little is known regarding the overall effectiveness of this teaching model for students, nursing programs, and clinical agencies. Previous studies revealed conflicting results about the benefits of a senior level precepted clinical experience. In this multi-method study, the authors examined student learning outcomes, perceptions, employment choice and retention following implementation of a new capstone nursing course. Results of this study indicated that a capstone course does not necessarily significantly improve scores on achievement exams or NCLEX RN first time pass rates. Nevertheless, qualitative content analysis revealed the following themes: integration, autonomy, confidence, authority, and advocacy consistent with a perceived enhanced competence in the nursing role. Data indicated that graduates often seek employment and remain at their capstone site or within their capstone specialty.

AIM This study explored faculty responses to a survey about using technology to teach undergraduate nursing students. BACKGROUND Little is known regarding faculty confidence, technology use, or supports for integrating technology into nursing education. METHOD A descriptive correlational design was utilized to explore the relationship between technology use and technological self-efficacy in faculty (N = 272) who teach at Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education–accredited nursing programs. Instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Roney Technology Use Scale, and the Technology Self-Efficacy Scale. RESULTS Participants who taught didactic content had moderate technology use as compared to those teaching didactic and clinical/laboratory who reported high levels of technology use. A weak relationship between age and technological self-efficacy (ρ = .127, p < .05) was also found. CONLUSION This research was an initial step in understanding levels of technology use and responses to this challenge by undergraduate nursing faculty.

Introduction Patient safety is an issue of utmost concern within health care. An interrelated approach between nursing education and practice is needed. For more than a decade, nursing education programs have responded to calls for curricular reform, integrating strategies to prepare graduates for safe nursing practice. Objectives The purpose of the descriptive study was to examine self-perceived safety competencies among baccalaureate (BSN) nursing students at end of program ( n = 72) using the Health Professional Education in Patient Safety Survey. In addition to the objective of describing self-perceived safety competencies of BSN students, another objective was to investigate any significant differences in self-perceived competencies between traditional 4-year and accelerated 12-month program students. Methods A descriptive comparative design was used with a purposive sample of baccalaureate nursing students from both traditional and accelerated second-degree programs at a comprehensive university in the Northeast. Results Students rated self-confidence with patient safety learned in the clinical environment higher than within the classroom setting. Overall, students reported a high level of self-confidence within each of the seven patient safety dimensions with knowledge gained from the clinical setting higher than knowledge gained from the classroom setting. Paired t-test analyses revealed statistically significant differences ( p < .05) between self-confidence gained in classroom and clinical environments with communicating effectively and managing safety risks. Independent t-test analyses revealed accelerated students reported lower self-confidence than traditional students, with statistically significant differences ( p < .05) in dimensions of culture of safety, working in teams, managing safety risks, and disclosing adverse events/close calls. Conclusion In most patient safety dimensions, students felt confident with their competencies within each of the dimensions of patient safety. Results also revealed that accelerated second-degree students report lower confidence with their knowledge of patient safety gained from classroom and clinical settings. Nursing programs must continue to emphasize a culture of safety within the nursing curriculum.

AIM The purpose of the study was to describe the Connecticut Nursing Collaborative-Action Coalition’s work in identifying and addressing gaps between nursing education and practice based on the Institute of Medicine’s Future of Nursing report. BACKGROUND Massachusetts Nurse of the Future (NOF) Competencies highlight the knowledge, skills, and attitudes/behaviors required for professional nurses. Integrating these concepts into the educational system will prepare the nursing workforce to respond to current/future health care needs and population health issues. METHOD Education and practice partners in four regions conducted a gap analysis of the education to practice transition for new graduate nurses using NOF as a framework for assessment. RESULTS Gaps in competencies were similar across regions. However, each organization uniquely addressed curricular gaps to best prepare nurses of the future. CONCLUSION Curriculum improvements will provide students the advantage of being prepared for the rapid changes happening in health care.