The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61432

Catharine L. Powell, EdD, Eva Caldwell, EdD, and Gaye J. Cook, MSN, APRN-BC. Department of Nursing, Armstrong Atlantic State University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419, 912-927-5362, powellca@mail.armstrong.edu

At Armstrong Atlantic State University nursing students enrolled in the Pediatric Nursing Course are assigned a pediatric essence project that focuses on reflection of their clinical pediatric experiences. In the course the students are given the choice of creating a scrapbook or a computer based portfolio for that fosters reflective practice. Students are assigned to several community-based sites throughout the semester. While different clinical objectives are written for each site, all experiences require a reflective paper. The students are also required to complete a weekly clinical computer generated journal and to reply to another student's clinical reflection. Some of the community-based activities include: creating a booth at a community health fair; experiencing clinical at pediatricians' offices, hospitals, federally funded clinics, schools and day care centers; and exploring a community resource for children. Students have the opportunity to use technology and be creative while learning how pediatric nursing is practiced in the community. The reflection tools help them synthesize their experiences and broaden their knowledge.

Learning Objectives:

After the presentation, the participants will be able to
• Describe a technique that increases student creativity and critical thinking and their knowledge of the community and pediatric nursing practice.
• State how student reflection of their community and pediatric activities adds to the synthesis of learning.
• Include activities in their educational environment that allow students use of technology as a reflective learning tool.

Keywords: Nursing Education, Pediatrics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Armstrong Atlantic State University Savannah, Georgia
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.