The conference brought together a variety of health science educators from across the Western provinces for a chance to network and share research and best practices.
“Bringing together educators from a variety of health care disciplines lets us learn from each other and share new knowledge and educational techniques,” said Martha Russell, NIC nursing instructor and 2018 conference coordinator.
The theme of this year’s conference is building bridges: working together for safer patient care, with a focus on inter-professional teaching and learning opportunities.
“Inter-professional teaching focuses on bringing health care professionals together to learn from and alongside each other while they are still in training,” said Russell. “It allows students to learn the different approaches and priorities of other members of the health care team so they can communicate effectively and efficiently to ensure patients are getting the best care possible.”
At NIC, Bachelor of Science in Nursing students get the opportunity to take part in inter-professional simulation evenings with Strathcona family practice residents at the North Island Hospitals. The NIC simulation lab is set up for multiple patient-in-distress scenarios and the nursing students and residents need to work together to try to save the patient.
“It’s a chance for both sides to practice what they do and also how they communicate to other members of the health care team,” said Jan Meiers, NIC nursing instructor and registered nurse. “When the doctors are called, nurses need to understand what information the doctors need to know and in what order so the doctors can complete their differential diagnosis. These simulations help the students gain confidence in their skills and their role as part of the team.”
Russell and Meiers also presented their research on using unfolding case studies as a way to add context and bridge theory and practice in skills learning.
“Many people don’t realize that scholarly research is an integral part of being a registered nurse and is part of our national accreditation as nursing faculty,” said Russell. “Scholarly research provides the evidence, upon which nurses base their practice. It’s fundamental in our top priority, which is always improving patient care.”
Visit WCHSE's website for more information on this year's conference.
