responses

When I did my preceptor hours for my MSN-ed at a small nursing school nearby my home in Oklahoma, I was quickly invested in the program, the students, and the staff. I was then offered a position at this same school. I was lucky enough to be doing my preceptorship at the end of the school year which included the big year-end meeting, among other things. One major problem that was brought up at the meeting was the fact that some clinical experiences were not allowing the students to do any patient care due to different rules and regulations. Additionally, some facilities were shutting down which would previously precept students. It became clear that due to a lack of resources, a few specialties were unable to be a part of the upcoming experience, until new facilities were built, or new opportunities presented themselves. The rule in Oklahoma is that 3 Simulation lab hours equal 1clinical hour. My capstone project is looking at the literature regarding simulation labs, and figuring out If we can provide students with an experience that gives them adequate knowledge in the needed nursing specialties to then go practice in the healthcare field. 

The reason why I believe my research findings will address the identified need that prompted my inquiry is because with the recent Covid pandemic many hospitals or facilities were not allowing students into clinicals, sparking a forced use of simulation labs, or simulation-type learning. Since then, much research has been done regarding this type of learning experience and how it affected student readiness and safe nursing practice. Additionally, simulation experience companies have been rapidly expanding their technology, and working to make these lab experiences more and more realistic. It then becomes the burden of these companies to prove that their products can enhance learning and help create a safe space for the student-patient experience. Thus, these companies have also published research regarding their results. One study states that the simulation experience builds a bridge between theoretical knowledge and the ability to perform nursing skills (Koukourikos, et al., 2021). Many sources have declared the need for the simulation experience to bridge this gap while maintaining patient safety and increasing student confidence. Although I believe nothing can fully replace the student-patient experience, it is in our best interest as educators to ensure that there is some experience in all areas of nursing, to help best prepare the student for wherever they may end up working in the future. 

References

Koukourikos, K., Tsaloglidou, A., Kourkouta, L., Papathanasiou, I. V., Iliadis, C., Fratzana, A., & Panagiotou, A. (2021). Simulation in Clinical Nursing Education.  Acta Informatica Medica,  29(1), 15-20. https://doi.org/10.5455/aim.2021.29.15-20

Depression is a common symptom seen in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients, particularly at advanced stage. My capstone research inquiry is to test the efficacy of a holistic approach on depression management so to sort out an effective method for mood control in PD patients. This project inquiry fits into both individual and community needs. From an individual’s perspective, depression is a mental health disorder which reduces the life quality and compromises the social function of PD patients. It has features of sadness, low energy level, loss of interest, and poor concentration. Some patients might be severe enough to generate suicide ideation or commit suicide. PD is a movement disorder, and its depression symptoms are often related to mobility impairment (Prange et al., 2022). Therefore, a specifically designed holistic approach from a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications can benefit depressive patients. It could fit the PD context and yield a positive outcome with minimal adverse effects.

From the viewpoint of community, depression symptoms add a great burden to caregivers, relatives, and friends. It is necessary to establish a collaborative network of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, psychologists, family nurse practitioners, social workers, and alternative medicine specialists, so that a comprehensive care can be given to PD patients with depression (Agüera-Ortiz et al., 2021). This capstone project can promote community awareness about PD-related depression, reduce stigma, and foster public understanding. Research subject recruitment, study project participation, and experimental result publication can disseminate accurate information to the public and encourage empathy and support for PD patients. Meanwhile, a support group from the local community can be introduced to the patients so to enhance information sharing in the future.

By addressing the individual and community needs related to depression management in PD patients, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community can work together to manage depression in an effective manner and improve their overall quality of life. It helps to adapt to a positive behavior pattern and enhance a lifestyle modification countering against the challenging condition.  

References

Agüera-Ortiz, L., García-Ramos, R., Grandas Pérez, F.J., López-Álvarez, J., Montes Rodríguez, J.M., Olazarán Rodríguez, F.J., … Porta-Etessam, J. (2021). Focus on Depression in Parkinson's Disease: A Delphi Consensus of Experts in Psychiatry, Neurology, and Geriatrics.  Parkinson’s Disease,  2021, 6621991.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33628415/

Prange, S., Klinger, H., Laurencin, C., Danaila, T., & Thobois, S. (2022). Depression in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: Current Understanding of its Neurobiology and Implications for Treatment.  Drugs & Aging,  39(6), 417-439.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35705848/

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