Abstract NS3: Engaging Nursing Students in Stroke Research & Practice

Abstract

Problem & Background: Residents of an urban, ethnically & racial diverse & resource-limited community where the college of nursing is located are at high risk for stroke. Recognizing this as a major population health issue for our community & nursing’s essential role improving health outcomes, faculty engaged with stroke center leadership to determine concerns. In addition, a curricular audit revealed stroke care competencies (knowledge, skills & attitudes-KSAs) were not well reflected in the curriculum & thus, the need for enriched graduate and undergraduate stroke curriculum. Also, we needed to build our research & EBP capacity with relevant & meaningful activities. Purpose: To increase student KSA’s in stroke care & stroke related nursing research/EBP. Methods: Faculty leading the stroke initiative worked with the stroke center nursing & physician leaders to identify teaching content & clinical practice opportunities for undergraduate & graduate students to integrate into existing courses. Stroke was an exemplar for population health teaching & learning in several courses. Faculty also identified stroke related research & EBP topics for students in a graduate research course. Results: Faculty & students are involved in several inter-professional projects & are applying for grants to support their work. Other learning opportunities include: stroke nursing unit as a designated education unit; student-led stroke support groups; & reducing missed appointments & readmissions. Community health course undergrads are conducting a study to describe the organization & delivery of community stroke services. Graduate students developed 4 stroke EBP project proposals presented at graduate & nursing research days on campus. Faculty & students presented their research & EBP proposals at outside conferences & have been recognized as STTI Rising Stars. Conclusions: All involved have expressed excitement & satisfaction with the stroke initiative. Students have demonstrated significant learning about stroke, their role in care across the continuum & stroke related research & EBP. Thus, this effort contributes to nursing engagement in stroke research & practice that promises to improve stroke related outcomes in our at risk community.