Biomedical subjects

W Dean Care

Publications and source records attributed to W Dean Care.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Setting the climate for evidence-based nursing practice: what is the leader's role?

Nurses are being challenged today to justify their practice. Many clinical and policy decisions in nursing are based upon isolated, ritualistic and unsystematic forms of clinical practice. The growing movement towards establishing evidence-based nursing practice (EBNP) is situated in a systematic appraisal of the best evidence available. Nurse leaders have an obligation to cultivate sound clinical and economic practices leading to quality patient care and positive work life environments for nurses.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Grade inflation: should we be concerned?

Grade inflation is defined as an increase in grade point average without an associated increase in overall student ability. The literature supports the idea that grade inflation is rampant throughout higher education. Shoemaker and DeVos described the scope of the problem in higher education in general and note the lack of existing empirical information in nursing education. Given the perceived problem in faculties of nursing, the widespread nature of the issue of grade inflation across universities and colleges, and the lack of empirical data, understanding the nature of grade inflation is important. This article will discuss a study designed to investigate the extent to which grade inflation is an issue within a western Canadian faculty of nursing. Recommendations related to grade inflation are discussed.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed2003

Perceptions of first-line nurse managers. What competencies are needed to fulfill this role?

First-line nurse managers have experienced an unprecedented shift in their roles and responsibilities as a result of health care reform. Consequently, there is a need to identify competencies required of first-line nurse managers in a changing health care environment. A descriptive, exploratory study of nurse managers in a western Canadian province was conducted using a combined quantitative and qualitative approach. The research instrument was comprised of three parts: a questionnaire that grouped five categories of competencies (technical, human, conceptual, leadership, and financial management); demographic data; and a critical incident technique that allowed the subjects to elaborate on a specific incident in their practice when they "performed at their best" as a manager. Findings revealed that nurse managers' need for knowledge and understanding was greater than their ability to implement managerial competencies. The exploration of competencies of first-line nurse managers has implications for curriculum development in leadership and management courses in nursing programs, as well as managerial development in health care agencies. Results will assist educators and administrators in addressing the changing needs of current and future nurse managers.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Unravelling the unknowns of reflection in classroom teaching.

BACKGROUND: The use of reflection in education has emerged as an effective means of connecting theory with practice. However, the literature reveals limited empirical work on the conceptualization of reflection. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this qualitative research study was to understand more fully the meaning and use of reflection in teaching, and how reflection contributes to the development of teaching expertise in the classroom. Ethical approval. The study received ethical approval from the Faculty of Nursing Ethical Review Committee, University of Manitoba. Issues related to confidentiality of information, and power relationships between the investigators were addressed. Students were reassured that no data were collected about them during participant observations in the classrooms. METHODS: The investigators were the sources of data. Data were collected using five different methods over the course of two academic years, including written autobiographies, critical incident journals, classroom observations, debriefing following classroom observations and research team meetings. FINDINGS: The data were analysed using content analysis, and four themes were identified (i) making connections, (ii) developmental aspects, (iii) influence of context on reflection, and (iv) influence of emotions on reflection. Study limitations. The interpretation of the findings of this study should be used with caution given the qualitative design and small number of participants. CONCLUSION: Participation in the study increased the awareness of the investigators' personal use of reflection. The process of studying our own use of reflection allowed us to step outside the performance treadmill to better understand, accept and reshape what we do over and over in the classroom. This study supports an examination of one's experiences as a means of understanding reflection and its use in the classroom.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Lessons learned in developing and delivering Web-based graduate courses: a faculty perspective.

The increased demand for graduate distance education by RNs create many challenges for nurse educators. This article describes the trials and tribulations of developing and delivering two Web-based graduate nursing courses at a western Canadian university. The authors describe the background and rationale for developing Web-based courses, the relevant literature, and the lessons learned in planning and delivering these courses.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Meeting the continuing education needs of rural nurses in role transition.

BACKGROUND: The community health center (CHC) model of care delivery is gaining acceptance throughout Canada's newly created rural health regions. The resulting change in nursing functions presents a challenge to regional health authorities to ensure the attainment and maintenance of practice competencies. METHOD: This qualitative study examined strategies used in selected parts of Canada to prepare and support rural diploma-prepared nurses for role transition from acute care into CHCs. RESULTS: In light of CHC nurses' increased degree of autonomy, skill level, and focus on community wellness, the findings indicate a need for additional educational preparation and supportive strategies for transitioning nurses. CONCLUSION: Regions should educate the public and staff about the principles of primary health care, population health, and factors that determine health to help stakeholders understand their community, the current gaps in service delivery, and the role of CHC nurses. Key players at the provincial level should work together to address competency issues and continuing education needs of nurses in career transition.

Canada↗