Community health learning experiences that influence RN to BSN students interests in community/public health nursing.

Abstract

As a result of national initiatives reforming the United States' healthcare delivery system, nurse education must emphasize population health and wellness outside of acute care facilities. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs implement innovative strategies and partnerships to provide students with community health clinical experiences to learn the professional practice role of the Community/Public Health (C/PH) nurse. This qualitative research explored the community health learning experiences that influenced postlicense nursing students' interests in a professional role change-from an acute care hospital setting to a community health setting. Data collection, analysis, and dissemination methods found in basic qualitative research designs were used in this study. A purposive sample of Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN students (N=15) completed semi-structured interviews. RN to BSN students sought a professional role change from a hospital to a community-based setting after favorable community health learning experiences that included (a) a supportive C/PH nurse preceptor, (b) identification of desirable nurse role characteristics, (c) special learning activities, (d) and faculty engagement with students. Findings provide nurse educators and other consumers of nursing practice with information regarding specific learning contributors that engage and provide transformative learning for RN to BSN students.