Knowledge of Global & Environmental Health Concerns and their Positive Impact on RN-BSN Nursing Practice
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
EVS 205: Global and Environmental Health, was a jointly developed course between the School of Nursing and the Department of Environmental Sciences, and was created specifically for the Online Accelerated Program RN-BSN nursing students. The purpose of this research was to study the efficacy of online learning in the RN-BSN program and increased knowledge of environmental issues on nursing practice. Methods: The Mental Modeler is an adaptive learning platform utilized in this project to allow each student to identify the components of their own "environmental system" and form them into concept maps of their choosing. Students then assigned positive and/or negative relationships between identified components. There were no correct or incorrect answers to this exercise. Students completed the Mental Modeler exercise twice during the 7-week class, as part of the course requirements: during the first and last week of class, along with a reflective essay. The essay reflected how/ if at all, the introduction to global and environmental issues impacted the RNs nursing practice. Data were collected, analysis done and learning outcomes examined. Results: Comparison of the Mental Modeler exercises identified a pattern of increased learning and understanding of global and environmental concepts and influences on human behavior and health throughout the 7-week class. Qualitative analysis of reflective essays revealed RN-BSN students reporting an increased knowledge and awareness. Students also described a willingness to incorporate more environmentally "friendly" actions into both personal and professional lives. Conclusion: RNs completing EVS205 demonstrated an increase in environmental and global awareness as well as a better understanding of their own environment footprint. Students reported plans to take newly gained global and environmental knowledge and incorporate it into their nursing practice in creative and innovative ways.
