Ashley Roach1, Sherrill Hooke. 1. Author Affiliations: Clinical Instructor and Veterans Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership (VANAP) Nurse Faculty (Ms Roach), School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland; Clinical Instructor and VANAP Nurse Faculty (Ms Hooke), Nursing Professional Services, VA Portland Health Care System, Oregon.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Through the Veterans Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership (VANAP), baccalaureate nursing students and faculty participated in practice innovations in a Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Nationally, VANAP has attempted to bridge gaps between theory and practice and across care settings. APPROACH: In a population health course, nursing students were placed in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Through activities such as postconferences and population-based projects, students joined forces with Veterans Affairs staff on issues that affected veterans' health care. OUTCOMES: Two student groups worked on amputation prevention from opposite ends of the spectrum. Their projects, with the continuation of these by faculty and staff, resulted in 47% decrease in vascular-related hospital readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: Student placements in settings across the care continuum improved communication between the settings. The enhanced partnership between the 2 organizations addressed a relevant, meaningful patient care issue.
BACKGROUND: Through the Veterans Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership (VANAP), baccalaureate nursing students and faculty participated in practice innovations in a Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Nationally, VANAP has attempted to bridge gaps between theory and practice and across care settings. APPROACH: In a population health course, nursing students were placed in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Through activities such as postconferences and population-based projects, students joined forces with Veterans Affairs staff on issues that affected veterans' health care. OUTCOMES: Two student groups worked on amputation prevention from opposite ends of the spectrum. Their projects, with the continuation of these by faculty and staff, resulted in 47% decrease in vascular-related hospital readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: Student placements in settings across the care continuum improved communication between the settings. The enhanced partnership between the 2 organizations addressed a relevant, meaningful patient care issue.
Authors: Jennifer Clifton; Annette T Maruca; Susan J Loeb; Donna M Zucker; Mary Muse; Deborah Shelton Journal: J Prof Nurs Date: 2022-02-16 Impact factor: 2.272