Scott Snell RN, BSN
Graduate Course Reflections
Idaho State University School of Nursing (pictured left)
The following is a reflection of each course taken at ISU's Graduate School of Nursing Program (Education Option). I provide insight into the courses and describe my personal experience with each. Reflection is a great way to learn about one's self and it allows us to look back on our experiences to gain a deeper understanding of our journey.
(**Disclaimer: All files are linked to GoogleDocs and appear slightly different in presentation than the original document. Hence, any/all pictures, words, paragraphs, spaces, colors and formats may appear in the wrong place {or absent}. Please note that these are only basic examples of each project and not the final projects themselves.)
BIOL 563 Human Pathophysiology
As an advanced pathophysiology course, this class was a handful. This summer based class was very informative and interactive. The bringing together of graduate students from several different Master disciplines added to the lively discussions of diseases and new technologies used to treat these diseases. My experience as an ER/ICU and surgical nurse helped me relate to the advances in treating patients with life threatening cardiac disease. I was amazed at the technology and equipment used to help patients in intensive care units around the state. It has been quite a while since I was in a pathophysiology class but the interaction and sharing of knowledge from diverse and experienced nurses was very educational. I learned of the number of websites that provide very useful information about laboratory values and have shared them with my students. The information provided in this class was very informative, and not for the faint of heart. It was also my first online-only course. This course helped to prepare me for the rigors of graduate instruction and increased my knowledge of pathophysiology. Progeria Paper
NURS 600 Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Practice
This course provided just what is suggested…a theoretical foundation for practicing nursing. We learned of many different nursing (and non-nursing) theorists. We also learned to how to critique, evaluate, and apply these theories and incorporate some of the theoretical foundations as a basis for our own nursing practice. I worked with my fellow classmates to develop an in-depth view of Imogene King’s Conceptual Systems theory. We also spent a great deal of time analyzing different types of theories and concepts so that we may understand the difference between concepts, theories, mid-range theories, etc. We were given many articles to read and were required to submit feedback and discussion on the various articles under review. This experience helped me develop as a nurse in advanced practice and I have utilized much of what I learned in this course to guide my students with theory based education. Imogene King Conceptual Systems Presentation
NURS 633 Rethinking Nursing Education
This class taught me the value of utilizing a theoretical perspective for teaching others the art of nursing. I learned how to create and use an advanced organizer and how this tool can facilitate a course of study or classroom presentation. This class helped me to explore my personal philosophy and investigate the various different types of learners and what motivates those learners to seek knowledge. I learned about many different theories of learning and how adults differ from children with regard to the many aspects of education. My personal nursing education philosophy paper explored my belief that I should provide a learning environment that challenges students to genuinely learn the material and apply that knowledge to real-world, practical situations…not merely memorize material for temporary testing. I am very interested in online teaching I learned that online teaching is more than logging on and discussion boards. This type of teaching and learning requires more work than basic computer skills and the development of online courses must follow a theoretical framework as well as a learning theory. It was interesting to research and find evidence based studies that support online teaching and learning as an effective strategy. Personal Nursing Education Philosophy
NURS 610 Advanced Evidence Application
This was one of the most challenging courses I’ve taken. It focuses on the application of evidence to advance nursing practice. We were required to identify issues that affected health care and attempt to use evidence-based research to develop solutions for these issues. My group and I researched how animal-assisted therapy effects depression. Animals were found to be valued companions and provided social support; as well as improved mood and decreased loneliness while patients are in their presence. We were required to learn and apply the research process, utilize statistical principles, and evaluate outcomes. We created evaluation plans and timelines to assist us in the research process. These are issues that I wasn’t previously aware of, with regard to research. It has expanded on the research base acquired in a bachelors program and deepened my understanding of the complex process of evidence-based research. Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal
NURS 612 Health Care of Rural Communities
This was a massive course. It required extensive time and resources to accomplish the tasks provided. The course utilizes appropriate epidemiological, social, and environmental data sources to conduct rural community assessment. The complexity of assessing rural need was far greater than I had anticipated and requires input on so many different levels. The purpose of the course is to help the graduate nursing students develop a culturally relevant care system that operates at the community level…since the rural community is the predominant setting for nurses working in Idaho. We were required to define health and the rural community. Using that information, my group and I developed an anti-prescription drug abuse project to address this rural health issue. Some of the steps included stating the need for intervention within the community, assessing the community itself, developing a causative theory statement, providing goals and intervention plans, describing the program, developing a budget/timeline, and finally evaluating the project’s effectiveness. As stated earlier, this was a massive course that required a significant amount of time/effort to complete. Since one of the foci of the graduate nursing program is to develop better nursing practices in rural communities, this course was vital to accomplishing end-program goals and objectives. Final Course Outcome Project
NURS 640 Evaluation Issues and Strategies in Nursing Education
This course focused on program and student evaluations. We learned of the various different methods of evaluation and the plethora of strategies that can be utilized within nursing education to assist in the evaluation and assessment of nursing students’ progress and development. We learned of formative and summative evaluations and developed our own evaluations with which to assess student skills and competencies. I was required to list out the pros and cons of different evaluation strategies and even matched some of these strategies to student learning. I am interested in simulation and role play as an evaluation strategy, so I wrote a paper explaining how role play can be utilized as an effective evaluation method. Utilizing Role Play
NURS 635 Curriculum Issues and Development
This course focused on the entire nursing curriculum. We learned about the various different issues that influence nursing curriculum and explored the diverse components and designs of the complex nursing curriculum. This course was interesting in that we were asked to develop a nursing program and curriculum from the ground up. My group and I name our program the Prometheus School of Nursing…after the mythological titan that was renowned for bringing fire (and knowledge) to man. We developed a philosophy template that expressed the collective beliefs of the faculty and focused on five areas: Person, Health, Nursing, Environment, and Professional Nursing Education. This was a difficult task, as every person has a unique value system and belief. We were able to utilize a wiki to seamlessly share ideas and thoughts with the rest of the group. In the end, a philosophy was developed that highlighted the shared beliefs of the faculty who would be educating the students. We also researched and studied curriculums from several different nursing programs and developed our very own unique curriculum. It was amazing to me just how much time and effort goes into developing a nursing curriculum. I can imagine that this would take many months, if not over a year to develop sufficiently enough to be put into practice. The learning experience was immeasurable. Philosophy Committee Final Report
NURS 639 Teaching and Learning Strategies in Nursing Education
In this course, we explored a variety of strategies to enable faculty to achieve curriculum outcomes. We were able to learn and utilize new technology (blogs, podcasts, etc) for the purpose of reaching our students on a different level than simply classroom instruction. With the technological advances racing through the world at light-speed, it’s important to stay on top of evolving trends and customs so that we may effectively reach our students in a manner in which they are accustomed. One of the most challenging adventures in this course was the development of two lesson plans. It sounds simple at first, but the process (when done correctly) is quite a daunting task. We were required to list prerequisites, preparation needed, objectives/outcomes, technology used, theories utilizes, instructional design format, and any additional components that might be used. We were required to create a 3hr online instructional lesson plan and a 1hr post-conference lesson plan. These lesson plans are very detailed and specific, as they should be to avoid drastic changes in teaching/learning outcomes that can arise from the instruction of a different faculty member. One particularly unique aspect of this course was the virtual simulation in which we were involved. Each faculty member took on the role of a fictitious “new” faculty member and proceeded through the virtual school of nursing, all the while attempting to learn and navigate the intricacies of the complex world of nursing education. We were presented with challenges from fellow faculty, administration, and students each week. This course forced me to look inside myself and my personal values/beliefs, understand who I am and what I want, and how that relates to the needs and wants of students, faculty, and administration. It was a learning experience! Adventures in Diabetes 3hr Lesson Plan and BLS & CPR with SIM Man 1hr Lesson Plan
NURS 602 Health Care Policy and Finance
This course was a particularly interesting one. We were required to read the book “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures” by Anne Fadiman. Reading this book filled me with frustration, confusion, perspective, and understanding…much like a roller coaster ride is full of ups, downs, twists and turns. I felt such frustration and misunderstanding at the methods and practices of the Hmong people. However, I also gained perspective and understanding after reading through the story of this child’s journey through illness. I learned that culture is just as important, if not more so, than death and that misunderstanding occurs at every level of communication…and must be addressed. In addition, we learned a great deal about the health care system, how it is setup, and how the rest of the world utilizes health care. We learned how insurance works and caught a glimpse into how insurance rates are calculated. This portion of the course was quite enjoyable for me, as I am really interested to see why I pay so much! I wrote a “letter to the editor” in an effort to address the need for more nurse educators in Idaho and how this issue can be improved…stating, “you get what you pay for.” The course was very informative and interesting. I am not a politician, but I think it’s our responsibility as nurse educators to stay informed of the health care system in the United States. Healthcare Financing Issues
NURS 621 Advanced Nursing Roles
I am currently in this course and have learned a great deal from my colleagues. There is an incredible role confusion occurring with the titles and credentials of advanced practice nurses. Many opinions and personal testimonies riddle our health care system with regard to what advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, certified nurse midwife, and nurse leader roles should consist of and why. Even the term “doctor” is confusing to patients when their health care provider holds a PhD and is a Family Nurse Practitioner. It is agreed that there is very little clear delineation between the various advanced nursing practice roles and that nurses should provide a national standard regarding such an issue. This seems to be a very tedious and uphill battle, but we can hope. I learned the importance of my role as a nurse educator in an advanced nurse role. I was also about to narrow down my personal nursing philosophy and theoretical framework, as it reflects my personal teaching style. I am also developing an e-portfolio that will include reflections of each course, projects submitted for each course, and more information about me as a nurse educator. The course is not over yet, as I still must complete several tasks before me. I see the end, and the light is beginning to shine.
NURS 647 Advanced Practicum in Nursing Education
This course has been the most time-consuming of them all. The workload in this course is massive, to say the least. Here I apply the theories, teaching strategies, and evaluation methods I’ve studied over the past 3 years and apply them to the real world of nursing education. This course includes a total of 240hrs of teaching, 20hrs on a project, 16hrs of reflective journaling, and 12hrs of committee meetings. It has been an extremely busy semester, but I have done so much. At this point, I have completed most of my hours and still need to complete my project. I have developed a 3hr Continuing Education module for the North West Rural Nurse Residency Program and am about to begin my second of such modules. I have also instituted several changes to my own practical nursing program courses that I teach, in an effort to “raise the bar” so that our students are much more likely to achieve a passing grade on the NCLEX-PN. Not only do we want our students to pass this exam, we want our practical nursing graduates to function competently in an ever-complex health care environment that doesn’t slow down for those not willing to work and learn. This practicum has provided me the resources and knowledge to implement this change, and the results have been promising.
Tough Enough: A Challenge for New Nurses
The following is a reflection of each course taken at ISU's Graduate School of Nursing Program (Education Option). I provide insight into the courses and describe my personal experience with each. Reflection is a great way to learn about one's self and it allows us to look back on our experiences to gain a deeper understanding of our journey.
(**Disclaimer: All files are linked to GoogleDocs and appear slightly different in presentation than the original document. Hence, any/all pictures, words, paragraphs, spaces, colors and formats may appear in the wrong place {or absent}. Please note that these are only basic examples of each project and not the final projects themselves.)
BIOL 563 Human Pathophysiology
As an advanced pathophysiology course, this class was a handful. This summer based class was very informative and interactive. The bringing together of graduate students from several different Master disciplines added to the lively discussions of diseases and new technologies used to treat these diseases. My experience as an ER/ICU and surgical nurse helped me relate to the advances in treating patients with life threatening cardiac disease. I was amazed at the technology and equipment used to help patients in intensive care units around the state. It has been quite a while since I was in a pathophysiology class but the interaction and sharing of knowledge from diverse and experienced nurses was very educational. I learned of the number of websites that provide very useful information about laboratory values and have shared them with my students. The information provided in this class was very informative, and not for the faint of heart. It was also my first online-only course. This course helped to prepare me for the rigors of graduate instruction and increased my knowledge of pathophysiology. Progeria Paper
NURS 600 Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Practice
This course provided just what is suggested…a theoretical foundation for practicing nursing. We learned of many different nursing (and non-nursing) theorists. We also learned to how to critique, evaluate, and apply these theories and incorporate some of the theoretical foundations as a basis for our own nursing practice. I worked with my fellow classmates to develop an in-depth view of Imogene King’s Conceptual Systems theory. We also spent a great deal of time analyzing different types of theories and concepts so that we may understand the difference between concepts, theories, mid-range theories, etc. We were given many articles to read and were required to submit feedback and discussion on the various articles under review. This experience helped me develop as a nurse in advanced practice and I have utilized much of what I learned in this course to guide my students with theory based education. Imogene King Conceptual Systems Presentation
NURS 633 Rethinking Nursing Education
This class taught me the value of utilizing a theoretical perspective for teaching others the art of nursing. I learned how to create and use an advanced organizer and how this tool can facilitate a course of study or classroom presentation. This class helped me to explore my personal philosophy and investigate the various different types of learners and what motivates those learners to seek knowledge. I learned about many different theories of learning and how adults differ from children with regard to the many aspects of education. My personal nursing education philosophy paper explored my belief that I should provide a learning environment that challenges students to genuinely learn the material and apply that knowledge to real-world, practical situations…not merely memorize material for temporary testing. I am very interested in online teaching I learned that online teaching is more than logging on and discussion boards. This type of teaching and learning requires more work than basic computer skills and the development of online courses must follow a theoretical framework as well as a learning theory. It was interesting to research and find evidence based studies that support online teaching and learning as an effective strategy. Personal Nursing Education Philosophy
NURS 610 Advanced Evidence Application
This was one of the most challenging courses I’ve taken. It focuses on the application of evidence to advance nursing practice. We were required to identify issues that affected health care and attempt to use evidence-based research to develop solutions for these issues. My group and I researched how animal-assisted therapy effects depression. Animals were found to be valued companions and provided social support; as well as improved mood and decreased loneliness while patients are in their presence. We were required to learn and apply the research process, utilize statistical principles, and evaluate outcomes. We created evaluation plans and timelines to assist us in the research process. These are issues that I wasn’t previously aware of, with regard to research. It has expanded on the research base acquired in a bachelors program and deepened my understanding of the complex process of evidence-based research. Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal
NURS 612 Health Care of Rural Communities
This was a massive course. It required extensive time and resources to accomplish the tasks provided. The course utilizes appropriate epidemiological, social, and environmental data sources to conduct rural community assessment. The complexity of assessing rural need was far greater than I had anticipated and requires input on so many different levels. The purpose of the course is to help the graduate nursing students develop a culturally relevant care system that operates at the community level…since the rural community is the predominant setting for nurses working in Idaho. We were required to define health and the rural community. Using that information, my group and I developed an anti-prescription drug abuse project to address this rural health issue. Some of the steps included stating the need for intervention within the community, assessing the community itself, developing a causative theory statement, providing goals and intervention plans, describing the program, developing a budget/timeline, and finally evaluating the project’s effectiveness. As stated earlier, this was a massive course that required a significant amount of time/effort to complete. Since one of the foci of the graduate nursing program is to develop better nursing practices in rural communities, this course was vital to accomplishing end-program goals and objectives. Final Course Outcome Project
NURS 640 Evaluation Issues and Strategies in Nursing Education
This course focused on program and student evaluations. We learned of the various different methods of evaluation and the plethora of strategies that can be utilized within nursing education to assist in the evaluation and assessment of nursing students’ progress and development. We learned of formative and summative evaluations and developed our own evaluations with which to assess student skills and competencies. I was required to list out the pros and cons of different evaluation strategies and even matched some of these strategies to student learning. I am interested in simulation and role play as an evaluation strategy, so I wrote a paper explaining how role play can be utilized as an effective evaluation method. Utilizing Role Play
NURS 635 Curriculum Issues and Development
This course focused on the entire nursing curriculum. We learned about the various different issues that influence nursing curriculum and explored the diverse components and designs of the complex nursing curriculum. This course was interesting in that we were asked to develop a nursing program and curriculum from the ground up. My group and I name our program the Prometheus School of Nursing…after the mythological titan that was renowned for bringing fire (and knowledge) to man. We developed a philosophy template that expressed the collective beliefs of the faculty and focused on five areas: Person, Health, Nursing, Environment, and Professional Nursing Education. This was a difficult task, as every person has a unique value system and belief. We were able to utilize a wiki to seamlessly share ideas and thoughts with the rest of the group. In the end, a philosophy was developed that highlighted the shared beliefs of the faculty who would be educating the students. We also researched and studied curriculums from several different nursing programs and developed our very own unique curriculum. It was amazing to me just how much time and effort goes into developing a nursing curriculum. I can imagine that this would take many months, if not over a year to develop sufficiently enough to be put into practice. The learning experience was immeasurable. Philosophy Committee Final Report
NURS 639 Teaching and Learning Strategies in Nursing Education
In this course, we explored a variety of strategies to enable faculty to achieve curriculum outcomes. We were able to learn and utilize new technology (blogs, podcasts, etc) for the purpose of reaching our students on a different level than simply classroom instruction. With the technological advances racing through the world at light-speed, it’s important to stay on top of evolving trends and customs so that we may effectively reach our students in a manner in which they are accustomed. One of the most challenging adventures in this course was the development of two lesson plans. It sounds simple at first, but the process (when done correctly) is quite a daunting task. We were required to list prerequisites, preparation needed, objectives/outcomes, technology used, theories utilizes, instructional design format, and any additional components that might be used. We were required to create a 3hr online instructional lesson plan and a 1hr post-conference lesson plan. These lesson plans are very detailed and specific, as they should be to avoid drastic changes in teaching/learning outcomes that can arise from the instruction of a different faculty member. One particularly unique aspect of this course was the virtual simulation in which we were involved. Each faculty member took on the role of a fictitious “new” faculty member and proceeded through the virtual school of nursing, all the while attempting to learn and navigate the intricacies of the complex world of nursing education. We were presented with challenges from fellow faculty, administration, and students each week. This course forced me to look inside myself and my personal values/beliefs, understand who I am and what I want, and how that relates to the needs and wants of students, faculty, and administration. It was a learning experience! Adventures in Diabetes 3hr Lesson Plan and BLS & CPR with SIM Man 1hr Lesson Plan
NURS 602 Health Care Policy and Finance
This course was a particularly interesting one. We were required to read the book “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures” by Anne Fadiman. Reading this book filled me with frustration, confusion, perspective, and understanding…much like a roller coaster ride is full of ups, downs, twists and turns. I felt such frustration and misunderstanding at the methods and practices of the Hmong people. However, I also gained perspective and understanding after reading through the story of this child’s journey through illness. I learned that culture is just as important, if not more so, than death and that misunderstanding occurs at every level of communication…and must be addressed. In addition, we learned a great deal about the health care system, how it is setup, and how the rest of the world utilizes health care. We learned how insurance works and caught a glimpse into how insurance rates are calculated. This portion of the course was quite enjoyable for me, as I am really interested to see why I pay so much! I wrote a “letter to the editor” in an effort to address the need for more nurse educators in Idaho and how this issue can be improved…stating, “you get what you pay for.” The course was very informative and interesting. I am not a politician, but I think it’s our responsibility as nurse educators to stay informed of the health care system in the United States. Healthcare Financing Issues
NURS 621 Advanced Nursing Roles
I am currently in this course and have learned a great deal from my colleagues. There is an incredible role confusion occurring with the titles and credentials of advanced practice nurses. Many opinions and personal testimonies riddle our health care system with regard to what advanced nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, certified nurse midwife, and nurse leader roles should consist of and why. Even the term “doctor” is confusing to patients when their health care provider holds a PhD and is a Family Nurse Practitioner. It is agreed that there is very little clear delineation between the various advanced nursing practice roles and that nurses should provide a national standard regarding such an issue. This seems to be a very tedious and uphill battle, but we can hope. I learned the importance of my role as a nurse educator in an advanced nurse role. I was also about to narrow down my personal nursing philosophy and theoretical framework, as it reflects my personal teaching style. I am also developing an e-portfolio that will include reflections of each course, projects submitted for each course, and more information about me as a nurse educator. The course is not over yet, as I still must complete several tasks before me. I see the end, and the light is beginning to shine.
NURS 647 Advanced Practicum in Nursing Education
This course has been the most time-consuming of them all. The workload in this course is massive, to say the least. Here I apply the theories, teaching strategies, and evaluation methods I’ve studied over the past 3 years and apply them to the real world of nursing education. This course includes a total of 240hrs of teaching, 20hrs on a project, 16hrs of reflective journaling, and 12hrs of committee meetings. It has been an extremely busy semester, but I have done so much. At this point, I have completed most of my hours and still need to complete my project. I have developed a 3hr Continuing Education module for the North West Rural Nurse Residency Program and am about to begin my second of such modules. I have also instituted several changes to my own practical nursing program courses that I teach, in an effort to “raise the bar” so that our students are much more likely to achieve a passing grade on the NCLEX-PN. Not only do we want our students to pass this exam, we want our practical nursing graduates to function competently in an ever-complex health care environment that doesn’t slow down for those not willing to work and learn. This practicum has provided me the resources and knowledge to implement this change, and the results have been promising.
Tough Enough: A Challenge for New Nurses
