Browsing by Author "Howard, Valerie"

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    An innovative DNP post-doctorate program to improve quality improvement and implementation science skills.
    (Journal of professional nursing : official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2021-01) Reynolds, Staci S; Howard, Valerie; Uzarski, Diane; Granger, Bradi B; Fuchs, Mary Ann; Mason, Leslie; Broome, Marion E

    Background

    Doctor of Nursing Practice programs prepare nurse leaders for unique roles to address healthcare needs across the quality spectrum. However, additional mentoring and training in implementation science and analytical skills is needed to effectively lead system-wide quality initiatives.

    Purpose

    The purpose of this article is to describe the planning, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative post-doctoral DNP Quality Implementation Scholars Program developed through an academic-practice partnership to address this need.

    Project method

    Throughout the one year post-doctoral program, we evaluated student experiences qualitatively using focus groups and quantitatively using standardized course and instructor surveys to assess overall programmatic goals. Program outcomes were evaluated from the perspective of the academic-practice partnership planning committee through a Qualtrics© survey.

    Findings

    Strengths of the program included the in-depth mentoring by faculty and relationships built across the larger health system. Both scholars and the planning team noted that the system-wide project implemented by the scholars was relevant, timely, and quality-focused.

    Conclusions

    This innovative DNP post-doctoral program leveraged the skill-sets of DNP-prepared nurse leaders to lead system-wide quality improvement initiatives tailored specifically to healthcare organizations.
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    Student nurse perceptions of an innovative role to support clinical practices during a pandemic: A qualitative study.
    (Nurse education today, 2021-08) Howard, Valerie; Hartman, Ann Michelle; Allen, Deborah H; Reynolds, Staci S

    Introduction

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems needed to quickly identify personnel to provide symptom screening and PPE observations. Through an established academic-practice partnership, pre-licensure nursing students were able to fill this new Patient Services Aid role. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the students' experiences in this mutually beneficial innovative role.

    Methods

    Electronic surveys and qualitative focus groups were used to evaluate the students' experiences.

    Results

    A total of 34 students were employed at the health system as PSAs. Focus groups (n = 16) analysis showed that, while the role was not a substitute for academic clinical experiences, they did improve the students' confidence in the clinical setting and helped teach necessary non-technical skills. Students appreciated the ability to network with multiple disciplines while working as PSAs.

    Conclusions

    This role was developed to assist with immediate COVID-19 needs; however, this model of using pre-licensure students in non-clinical roles can improve students' non-technical skills and confidence in the clinical setting. The success of the activity was due to the strong relationships between the School of Nursing and health system. Other schools of nursing could benefit from developing collaborative partnerships with local healthcare systems.