Professional Internship Research Articles

Use of Simulation in Dietetic Internships: A Qualitative Exploration of Program Director Attitudes and Motivations

The use of simulation holds promise for the future of dietetics education for its use as an alternative for up to 30% of the 1,000 supervised practice hours for the training of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Even more so, simulation is a teaching tool. When done well, simulation can challenge students in a safe environment where they can receive constructive feedback from expert guides and meaningfully reflect on their learning. The purpose of this study was to interview dietetic internship (DI) program directors on their attitudes and motivations on the use of simulation in their programs, targeting the heavily program-congested states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Three main themes emerged from this study: the live professional internship experience is considered ‘best’ to most program directors; program directors are motivated to use simulation if it will benefit students; and access to information on how to use simulation needs to be more readily available. As all directors voiced the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors (NDEP) as their major source of information on using simulation, more resources should be made available through these channels on best-practices in using simulation to increase awareness and ease of adoption for those interested in using this type of instruction.

The Effects of Weekly Levels of Supervisor Support and Workload on Next Week Levels of Well-Being, Satisfaction, and Performance as Mediated by Weekend Work Recovery.

This diary study sought to examine the direct and indirect effects of individuals' perceptions of supervisor support and workload during a work week (week 1) on their well-being, satisfaction, and performance at work during the following work week (week 2) as mediated through the quality of their weekend work recovery experiences (psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery, and control) and sleep quantity. Moreover, we also investigated the possible interaction between supervisor support and workload in the prediction of weekend recovery experiences and sleep quantity. A sample of 90 second-year nursing students taking part in a professional internship completed self-report questionnaires after each of their five working days during week 1 (i.e., supervisor support and workload), then at the end of the day for 2days during the weekend (i.e., recovery experiences and sleep quantity), and finally after each of their five working days during week 2 (i.e., workplace well-being, performance, and satisfaction). Our results revealed indirect effects of supervisor support on workplace well-being and job satisfaction, as mediated by weekend recovery experiences. Workload was also associated with higher levels of sleep quantity during the weekend and had a direct negative association with the levels of satisfaction and well-being experienced during the following week. Furthermore, workload was associated with better weekend recovery experiences for participants exposed to low levels of supervisor support in week 1. Alternatively, the positive effects of supervisor support on weekend recovery experiences were attenuated as workload levels increased. Theoretical and practical implications of the present study are discussed.

Professional internship of social pedagogy students: new challenges and threats

The main objective of this study is to analyse the changes in social education professional internship for university students. We concentrated on identifying strengths and weaknesses of professional internship, and the opportunities and threats observed in the implementation of professional social education professional internship during the coronavirus crisis. We subsequently explain how the impacts of this extraordinary situation are reflected in the competency model of the future social educator. Due to the absence of specific research studies looking at the transformation of student professional internship during the coronavirus crisis period, we thought it seemed appropriate to investigate in detail one specific case, and use it to analyse the partial impacts of the pandemic in the implementation of the professional internship of specifically university students. Using a descriptive case study design, we analyze social education internships during the coronavirus period in the Czech Republic, utilizing student data (internship diary, facility assessment, self-assessment, and questionnaire) to identify changes in the internship system. We found many significant changes in the implementation of professional internship, which are fundamentally reflected in the competency model of Social Education graduate.

La competencia de comunicación terapéutica en estudiantes de práctica profesional de Terapia Ocupacional: percepciones y opiniones desde los docentes

IntroductionCommunication is key in Occupational Therapy and its effectiveness affects up to 20% of therapeutic results. It must be developed throughout the occupational therapists training and professional career, with internships being a critical period for the acquisition of these skills. This study explores opinions and perceptions about the importance and performance of communication competencies in Occupational Therapy students during their professional internships. MethodologyMixed sequential explanatory cross-sectional design, with a descriptive scope, in which 32 teachers participated through an online survey and individual interviews. ResultsThe most relevant elements in relation to communication competence are: agreement on plans and problems, information, patient perspective and empathy. In addition, teachers found that the performance of communication competence in students improves at the end of professional internship. DiscussionsCommunication competence is important, but there are differences in its assessment. Personal, curricular factors and teaching skills can influence performance. It is suggested to incorporate it into the curriculum from the beginning of training. ConclusionsCommunication competence is essential for occupational therapists, especially during their professional internships. Its continuous development should be encouraged so that students acquire clear and effective communication skills that promote therapeutic success.

ĐÁNH GIÁ CHUẨN ĐẦU RA THỰC TẬP NGHỀ NGHIỆP CỦA SINH VIÊN NGÀNH QUẢN TRỊ DỊCH VỤ DU LỊCH VÀ LỮ HÀNH, TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC KIẾN TRÚC ĐÀ NẴNG

Professional internship is a compulsory course at universities, particularly for application-oriented training programs. Instead of relying on the evaluation results of lecturers and businesses, this study evaluates the effectiveness of professional internships from the perspective of students. The study has developed a scale including criteria of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and conducted a survey of students who have completed 02 Professional Internship courses 1 & 2 in the field of Travel and Tourism Service Management, Da Nang University of Architecture. The results show that most of the criteria are met at a good level, however the most important goal of training students to master the processes and operations in the departments has the lowest evaluation score. This shows that there is still a gap between theory and practice, between the program framework and actual implementation. Based on that, the article also suggests some solutions to shorten this gap. Keywords: Professional internship; knowledge; skills; attitude; tourism.

Research on the Mechanism and Path of Integrating Farming and Reading Education into the Practical Curriculum System of Agricultural and Forestry Universities

It is an important talent support in rural revitalization to the personnel training of Agricultural and Forestry University in the new era. Integrating farming and reading education into the practical curriculum system of agricultural and forestry universities can enhance the connection between theory and practice, and meet the development needs of the modern agricultural industry system. It can enhance the theoretical level of practice, cultivate high-quality talents, and meet the positioning needs of professional talent cultivation. It can expand the theoretical level, innovate application capabilities, and meet the professional development direction. Based on this, it is proposed to design a labor education practice course that integrates multiple disciplines within the campus, carry out designated professional internship activities outside the campus through internship bases, and provide social connection services for graduation internship practice through enterprises and institutions.

A scientist’s journey: learning to communicate science for improved nature connectedness

With continuing concerns over the future of the natural world in the face of climate change, it is becoming increasingly important that people feel a sense of caring for, and responsibility towards, the environment. A feeling of ‘nature connectedness’ can be a useful means of predicting an individual’s likelihood of making more sustainable life choices and is an area of great interest to researchers. Unfortunately, many people today struggle with so-called ‘plant blindness’ and low levels of nature connectedness. Through science communication, scientists can attempt to improve public knowledge and understanding of the natural world, thereby increasing individuals’ appreciation for, and sense of connection to, nature. As a doctoral student at the early stages of my scientific research career, I had not had a great deal of experience with science communication for a public audience. However, as part of my doctoral training programme, I had the opportunity to undertake a professional internship to explore career options out with the university lab environment. During this internship, working within a university botanic garden in the East of Scotland, I had the opportunity to experience science communication for a variety of audiences including school pupils, school teachers and the general public. The intention was to use my molecular biology and protein biochemistry knowledge to produce a new educational and recreational resource highlighting plants with medicinal properties. The aim of the new resource was to inform and entertain visitors to the botanic garden in a manner that would improve these individuals’ sense of nature connectedness.

Development in Designing Competency-Based Learning Management According to the Guidelines for Driving the Economy (BCG Model) by Using the Concept of Proactive Learning Management for Students Practice Teaching Professional Experience

This research piece has the following goals: (1) to create a curriculum for creating a competency-based learning management system based on the economically motivated approach (BCG Model) by utilizing the proactive learning management concept for students practice teaching professional experience, (2) to assess the success of the curriculum in creating competency-based learning management utilizing the idea of proactive learning management for student practice teaching professional experience in accordance with the economic driving model (BCG Model), namely; (2.1) to compare the understanding of developing compe-tency-based learning management in accordance with the economic driving model (BCG Model) utilizing the idea of proactive learning management before and after learning, and (2.2) to assess the capacity to create a competency-based learning man-agement plan utilizing the proactive learning management concept in accordance with the economy-driven approach (BCG Model) compared to the criteria of 80%. In the second semester of the academic year 2022, there are 50 first-year teaching professional internship students in attendance. In the second semester of the academic year 2022, a total of 30 first-year teacher training students made up the sample. It makes use of a straightforward random sampling technique and a research and development (R&D) paradigm, which is typical in behavioral and social science research. The following resources were used in the study: (1) a test of knowledge on competency-based learning management system design, and (2) an operational capacity assessment form for creating a competency-based learning management strategy. Using proactive learning management concepts and knowledge comparison in the design of learning management, manage pre-learn and post-learn competency-based learning, using the t-test for dependent, data analysis is used to evaluate the suitability and effectiveness of the curriculum in the design of competency-based learning management in accordance with the economic-driven approach (BCG Model). Then use the t-test for one sample to assess the capacity to create a learning management plan based on post-learning competency versus the threshold of 80%.
 
 The results of the study showed that; (1) the development of a curriculum in the design of competency-based learning management according to the economic-driven approach (BCG Model) using the concept of proactive learning management for students practice teaching professional experience, the innovation of competency-based learning management combined with work to develop competence for students, practice, teaching, and professional experience was successful at 81.74/82.19, the mean was 4.60, the standard deviation was 0.50, and the level at which it was most suited was 4.60, and (2) use the idea of proactive learning management for students’ practice teaching professional experience to evaluate the efficiency of the curriculum in de-veloping competency-based learning management in accordance with the economic driving model (BCG Model), it was found that (2.1) students practice teaching professional experience knowledge in designing a competency-based learning management after learning was significantly higher than before learning at the .01 level, and (2.2) students practice teaching professional experience had the ability to prepare a learning management plan based on post-learning competency higher than the criteria of 80 percent at the statistical significance level of .01.

The approach of Swiss commercial companies to making decisions on the organization of in–house training programs

It is recognized in the scientific literature that training in apprenticeship–mentoring programs is a very effective form of training that provides young people with skills that allow them to experience fewer problems when moving from the stage of vocational training to entering the labor market. However, a prerequisite for the successful functioning of the training system for apprenticeship–mentoring programs is the presence of a sufficiently large number of companies willing to train young people.The factors influencing companies’ readiness for training are analyzed in interdisciplinary theoretical and applied research, the main conclusion of which is that the decision to create and implement in–house training programs (professional internship programs) is made by companies using data on the state of the regional labor market and the structure of the regional education system. At the same time, regional differences in data should be used within the same national training system. This is a significant condition for comparative studies, since the unity of the educational system allows us to fix the uniformity of influence on the decision–making about education, which is impossible when conducting an analysis at the international level.The paper presents data reflecting the factors of decision–making by Swiss commercial companies on the implementation of apprenticeship–mentoring programs within the framework of corporate educational policy.

Modelowanie umiejętności nauczyciela kultury fizycznej a edukacja zdrowotna

Professionalism is one of those qualities of an employee that employers value the most. When starting a professional career, most people plan to perform their duties as professionally as possible. Each profession has its own requirements for the employee’s professional skill. Social sciences interpret a profession as a qualification that requires long-term training, including the need to obtain a higher education, and often a professional internship. However, employee professionalism is a broader issue related to a sense of mission. If we want to be considered professionals, we must be aware of why we do our work and what we want to achieve. Then we will have more satisfaction with work and even professional realization. Each profession requires special knowledge and specific skills. Some of them are acquired automatically along with work experience. Many professions require a license. Later, the employee’s skill level is scarcely checked. However, genuine professionalism needs constant self-improvement, advancement of one’s qualifications, although it does not mean that only the representative of a particular profession who knows everything is a genuine specialist. The best ones are the elite, but others can be considered professionals, because professionalism is about appreciating what you know and being humble about what you do not yet know. Some workplaces have a specific catalog of conduct rules. In the case of physical culture specialists, their professional ethics have been developed. A physical education teacher as an advisor to young people on issues of health, physical fitness, and body aesthetics and, at the same time, as a role model should be authoritative and attractive.

National Professional Internship Programme (NPIP) for Higher Learning Institutions Graduates and Their Future Employment Opportunities: A Study from Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

National Professional Internship Programme (NPIP) for Higher Learning Institutions Graduates and Their Future Employment Opportunities: A Study from Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

Effect of Computerized Tomography Simulation Education on Student Education: A Distance Education Example

Bu çalışmadaki amacımız, BT cihazını simüle edebilen ve çevrimiçi çalışabilen simülasyon programının, öğrencilerin bilgi ve becerileri üzerine etkisinin ve öğrencilerin bu eğitim ile ilgili tutumlarının araştırılmasıdır. Tıbbi Görüntüleme Teknikler (TGT) programının birinci sınıfında öğrenim gören ve çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden meslek yüksekokulu öğrencilerine, araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan anket soruları simülasyon eğitimi öncesi ve sonrası uygulanmıştır. Elde edilen veriler, uygun istatistiksel yöntemlerle değerlendirilmiştir. Öğrencilerin %55.4’ünün teknoloji kullanma becerisi iyi olduğu, %94.6’sının BT ile ilgili daha önce eğitim almadığı belirlenmiştir. Hasta bilgileri girildikten sonra yapılması gereken işlemler konusunda eğitim öncesinde %42.9’luk bir bilgi düzeyi varken eğitim sonrasında bu oran %67.9’a yükselmiştir. Eğitim öncesi ve sonrası arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık saptanmıştır (p<0.001). Simülasyon eğitimi, öğrencilerin radyasyon güvenliği ve radyasyon sağlığı açısından önemi büyüktür. Tekrarlı çekim ve sanal ortamda kazanılan tecrübe ile hasta başında yapılabilecek olası hatalar azaltılabilmektedir. Böylece, hasta ve personel dozunda azalma sağlanabilir. Çalışmamızın sonuçları, öğrencilerin, mesleki staja başlamadan önce BT cihazı hakkında daha fazla bilgi sahibi olacaklarını göstermiştir. Simülasyon sonrasında katılımcıların BT protokol uygulama basamaklarına ilişkin bilgilerinde artış olmuştur. Simülasyon programında, çocuk ve yetişkin hastalarda kullanılması gereken protokoller ve verilen doz parametreleri daha detaylı olarak denenebilir ve optimum değer ve protokoller tespit edilebilir.

Uso de si como ferramenta terapêutica: uma experiência formativa na graduação em terapia ocupacional

Abstract Introduction The use of the self as a therapeutic tool is a client-centered practice with the least evidence in the pedagogy of occupational therapy. In Chile, experiential subjects arise, linked to artistic/playful methods that seek to influence the skills of the undergraduate student for their development. Objective To analyze the experience of the students in relation to the learning, characteristics, and contributions of the subjects that contribute to the development of the use of the self as a therapeutic tool, in occupational therapy careers at universities in the south of Chile. Method Qualitative research, exploratory with a grounded theory design. The sampling was non-probabilistic, intentional, by criteria, of fifteen students in the professional internship stage. Data collection was through two focus groups, after signing informed consent. The analysis was carried out using the constant comparison method of Glaser and Strauss, using the Atlas Ti program to systematize the information. Scientific rigor was guarded by the criteria of Guba and Lincoln. Results 530 units of meaning are identified, 30 descriptive open codes, grouped into eight axial categories, emerging two thematic nuclei that address the “Teaching-learning process in the formation of the Use of the Self” and the “Professional Development for the Use of the Self”. Conclusion For the students, the methodologies used to contribute in a relevant way to the development of self-knowledge and key generic competences for the “Use of the Self”. This pedagogy could be complemented with other active strategies to ensure the centrality of the user in occupational therapy.

Internship Effect Prediction for Physical Education Majors Based on Artificial Neural Network

Professional internship offers college students a golden chance to apply their theoretical knowledge to practice. Through internship, physical education (PE) majors can match the professional knowledge and skills learned at school with the competencies required by actual jobs. The relevant studies at home and abroad mainly attempt to improve the internship effect. This paper explores the influence of the diversity of job competencies on the internship effect of PE majors, and establishes a prediction model based on artificial neural network (ANN). Firstly, an evaluation index system (EIS) was constructed for the internship quality of PE majors, and a table was prepared for four types of internship jobs for PE majors, as well as their core competences. Then, the sample data for quality evaluation of PE majors’ internship were preprocessed and subjected to feature extraction, in the light of their sequential property. After that, a prediction model was proposed for the internship quality of PE majors, along with its optimization algorithm. The proposed model was proved effective through experiments.

“I Have Grown”: A Case Study of Student-Athlete Career Development at Clemson University

Student-athletes are burdened with demands, expectations, and stressors that pose challenges to their personal development, rendering many student-athletes ill-prepared for career choices outside the sports milieu. Internships are vital to the skill development for all students. Clemson’s University Professional Internship and Co-op Program (UPIC) offers on-campus internship opportunities for qualifying students. Informed by student involvement theory (Astin, 1984), the purpose of this case study was to examine Clemson student-athlete’s perceptions of participating in the UPIC program. Although the student-athletes experienced challenges during their internships, the data revealed that the internship was instrumental in the professional development of the participants, specifically in the areas of communication, collaboration, and work ethic. Overall, 88.89% of student-athletes felt their internship was very relevant to their career goals. This case study provides an example of cross-campus collaborative programming that assisted in the career development of student-athletes and should be implemented at other colleges and universities.

Use of an interactive multimedia e-book to improve nursing students’' sexual harassment prevention knowledge, prevention strategies, coping behavior, and learning motivation: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundNursing essentially involves working closely with patients both physically and psychologically. Nurses, particularly inexperienced nursing students, are often at great risk of sexual harassment. ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of a clinical-based sexual harassment prevention e-book on nursing students' knowledge, prevention strategies, coping behaviors, and learning motivation. DesignA randomized, controlled, experimental study. SettingNursing Department at a private university in Taiwan. ParticipantsSenior nursing students who had finished the required professional internship or were undergoing community nursing or psychiatric nursing internship. MethodsParticipants were randomly allocated to intervention (e-book, n = 33) and control (video and brochure, n = 33) groups. They were asked to complete a structured questionnaire before, after, and 2 weeks after the intervention to evaluate their sexual harassment knowledge, prevention strategies, coping behaviors, and learning motivation. ResultsIn the posttest, the e-book group scored significantly higher in the sexual harassment prevention knowledge (p < .05), sexual harassment prevention strategy (p < .01), and ARCS motivation (p < .001) subscales than the control group, but not in the coping behavior subscale. In terms of group and time effects, knowledge, coping behavior, prevention strategy, and motivation scores were all significantly different in the first posttest (p < .001). In the second posttest, coping behavior and ARCS motivation scores remained significantly different (p < .01). ConclusionThe interactive multimedia e-book effectively improved the sexual harassment prevention knowledge and competence of nursing students. This method can be employed as a supplementary material in nursing education, internship guidance, and nursing on-the-job education.

GENERAL PRACTICE NURSING STUDENTS‘ STRESS DURING PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP: CAUSES AND STRESS COPING METHODS

Occupational stress is a phenomenon faced by both phy­sicians working in health care institutions and students studying in the medicine and nursing fields. Early iden­tification of the stress factors and application of timely and targeted stress coping methods are measures allo­wing to maintain a safe socio-educational environment in a real practical place. The aim of the study – to reveal the causes of nursing students’ stress during their professional internship and to identify what strategies students use to cope with the stress. Material and methods. For the study a quantitative rese­arch strategy was used. The survey instrument included questions of two main blocks, one of which was related to stressors, the other one covered stress coping methods. 27 items of stress causes were listed in the questionnaire covering 4 main areas: 1) work content and clinical si­tuations; 2) work conditions and organization; 3) com­munication and collaboration; 4) external stressors. For revealing what measures students use to manage their stress 26 items of stress coping methods were included into the questionnaire. These methods are related to 4 ty­pes of stress coping strategies: 1) Relaxation methods; 2) Rational methods; 3) Organizational and social; 4) Phar­maceutical and health damaging habits. Research instru­ment also included an open question which was aimed to find out positive students’ experiences during the in­ternships. 145 nursing students participated in the study. Results. Stress is a common phenomenon among nur­sing students. All nursing students experience higher or lower level of stress during the professional internships. Factors related to work conditions and organization are the most stressful. Rational stress management methods are the most popular among nursing students in dealing with stressful situations during professional internships. The positive experience expressed by nursing students during internships can be considered as measures helping to successfully adapt psychologically and reduce stress during internships. Basing on the study results such stu­dents support measures could be identified as: student praise and encouragement, friendly team and close coo­peration, nurse-mentor as teacher and consultant, confi­dence in student and the opportunity to act independently, patient‘s gratitude and benevolence.

Professional education in curricular internships of occupational therapists in Primary Health Care

Abstract This study regards the experience of implementing a professional internship intended to students of Occupational Therapy in Primary Health Care in a Federal University located in São Paulo State, Brazil. Occupational therapist profession in Brazil was inserted in this level of care to offer specialised support to teams, mainly concerning qualification of care to vulnerable and invisible populations (community, family and cultural aspects), health promotion, encouragement of team work, humanisation in health. Such curricular internship occurs since 2017 to students of the 4th and 5th years of undergraduate course, completing 240 hours. How is the practice programme in Primary Health Care organised in the pedagogic project? Which are the strengths and fragilities of this field, as far as education is concerned? Among the practice scenarios, there are Basic Health Unit, Family Health Strategy teams, Family Health Support Centre, Street Clinic and University Basic Health Unit, with tutors who establish the collaboration. The interns follow individual and group cases, take part in team meetings and actions for team qualification and are also supervised weekly by a professor. Among their strengths, we can list a diversified education, based on the most recent public policies for the level of care that represents the stepping stone to the health system. As well as the access to the occupational therapy professional in this first contact, if the team identifies such necessity. Regarding challenges, there is unawareness about professional practice, difficulty to access work instruments and resources, as well as physical space. We hope this experience can help other educational institutions to implement their practice programmes in and for the health system. Egresses report that enables learning to work in a team in different scenarios. Such strategy aims to form a generalist professional, with criticality regarding challenges and potentialities of Brazilian public health. Key messages This study reports the experience of a professional internship of Occupational Therapy in Primary Health Care, understanding the health system as a scenario for practice, teaching and learning. Educating occupational therapists to this level of care is necessary, in agreement with the attributes of Primary Care.

Building research capacity in musculoskeletal health: qualitative evaluation of a graduate nurse and allied health professional internship programme

BackgroundEvidence based practice enhances service planning and delivery, clinical decision making and patient care. However, health professionals often lack the time and opportunity to access or generate evidence. Research capacity building is thus an important mechanism for improving health service delivery. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a UK-wide Nurse and Allied Health Professional musculoskeletal research internship programme in which graduates applied to undertake their internship through one of five Higher Education Institutions. The evaluation explores the experiences of interns and their mentors.MethodsSixteen new graduates completed the internship programme (September 2015 – August 2018). Twelve interns and thirteen mentors participated in the evaluation. The evaluation used qualitative asynchronous email-based interviews to explore the experiences of interns and mentors. Interpretive phenomenological analysis of coded transcripts identified principal themes.ResultsEarly research outputs from the interns include three peer reviewed publications and 21 conference abstract presentations. Two interns were in full time research at the time of interview or had a research component in their clinical role. Nine interns in clinical posts disclosed plans to return to research in the near future. Seven themes were identified: the impact on interns’ careers; personal impact (for example, influence on self-confidence); impact on clinical practice; drivers for applying; intervention design (for example, attitudes concerning the timing and duration of the intervention); mentorship and networking (including general support provided and quality of career advice); challenges.ConclusionThe internship programme is an effective model in building research capacity in musculoskeletal research for Nurses and Allied Health Professionals, influencing careers, building confidence and improving clinical practice. The internship programme has the potential to be replicable to other clinical contexts nationally and internationally.

Understanding the Image of FL Teachers Through Visual Tales The Professional Development of Prospective teachers of French as a Foreign Language

Teachers’ representations are of paramount importance to understand their situated professional action. Following a discussion of the concept of “representation” and its importance in foreign language education, a revision of the use of visual narratives in this disciplinary field will be presented, focusing on: i) (prospective) foreign language teachers’ representations concerning the target language; ii) their representations regarding teaching and learning methods; iii) teachers’ professional development. Afterwards, an empirical study using visual methods in initial teacher education, before and after a school professional internship, will be presented and discussed, illustrating the professional development of prospective teachers of French.