Submitting for Dollars: Playing the Funding Game to Promote Transcultural Nursing

Research requires funding, and every researcher understands the crucial role that money plays in implementing a research study. Research in the nursing field is no different. In the current economic environment, funding sources have become limited and researchers need to be prepared to submit grant proposals which will give them a competitive edge over other grant proposals. This paper will describe the development of a grant proposal for National Institutes of Health funding and provide suggestions to novice researchers about how to write a proposal that has the potential to receive a fundable score. The team of early stage investigators in this study submitted a proposal which received a fundable score, but was not selected for funding. The proposal was revised and resubmitted, and received a highly competitive score that did result in funding. The lessons that the researchers learned from this process can be useful for other nurses seeking to secure funding for their research projects

The Influence of International Service-Learning on Cultural Competence in Baccalaureate Nursing Graduates and Their Subsequent Nursing Practice

A series of research studies was completed over 3 years to evaluate baccalaureate nursing students\u27 transcultural self-efficacy following the completion of service-learning projects. A quantitative pilot study was completed in 2007 with a convenience sample of students (n=60) enrolled in a community health nursing course. Several clinical groups worked with local communities and one clinical group took part in a one-week program in Guatemala. The Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET) was administered at the beginning and completion of the semester. A paired-samples t test demonstrated a significant increase for pre-test to post-test total and subscale scores. A follow-up field study was completed in 2008 using a sequential explanatory mixed method design. The quantitative component followed the same format as the pilot study conducted in 2007. Pre-test and post-test surveys (n=45) again revealed a significant increase in total and subscale scores. The qualitative component of the research project utilized a case study approach with two clinical groups (n=16). Each student maintained reflection notes which were completed prior to, during, and at the conclusion of the experience. One clinical group completed a service-learning project in a local, African American community, while the other group participated in a one-week international service-learning experience in Ecuador. Themes were categorized based on the learning dimensions of cultural competence. The with-in case analysis of the local group revealed 4 themes, while the international group revealed 6 themes. The cross-case analysis of the 2 clinical groups revealed similar themes, yet the students who participated in the Ecuador trip were able to provide more explicit details of culturally relevant knowledge and experiences. In 2009, an explanatory case study was used to explain how participation in an international service-learning project influenced transcultual self-efficacy of baccalaurate nursing graduates following graduation and their subsequent clinical practice. Telephone interviews were conducted with 14 nursing graduates, who had participated in international experiences. Comparative analysis revealed increased self-efficacy in cognitive, practical, and affective learning dimensions. As a result of the increased transcultural self-efficacy, graduates were able to provide culturally congruent care. Findings suggest that international service-learning is an effective teaching strategy for cultural competence

Contributing to Family Health Using a Promotora Program in Guatemala

Pneumonia and diarrhea can be addressed with early detection and education, yet low rates of literacy and high rates of poverty impact the ability of parents in rural Guatemala to recognize and seek treatment for their children. This article describes the health promotion program implemented to address these and other common health problems in one isolated community. A promotora program utilizes informal, indigenous leaders within the community to promote health in Latino populations. Developing a health education program based on the promotora concept empowered the women of the community by giving them the knowledge and skills to improve the health of their families and their community. The lessons learned from this culturally-based health promotion model are appropriate for application in local and international communities

From guidelines to local realities: evaluation of oral rehydration therapy and zinc supplementation in Guatemala

Objectives: Diarrhea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for children in low- and middle-income countries throughout the Americas. WHO guidelines have been developed to incorporate zinc supplementation (ZS) with traditional oral rehydration therapy (ORT) to shorten duration and reduce poor health outcomes. Guatemala adopted these guidelines in 2011, but they have not yet been fully implemented at the community level. The objectives of this study were to co-design an ORT/ZS training program with community health promoters appropriate to the local context and to understand how training with the promoters changes attitudes and behaviors of community members. Methods: In an observational study, community health promoters were trained in rural Guatemala according to WHO guidelines and collaboratively developed training curriculum to implement in their community. Community-based surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions were used to assess acceptability, accessibility, and availability of oral rehydration therapy and zinc supplementation

Assessment of Anemia Levels in Infants and Children in High Altitude Peru

When prevalence rates of anemia exceed 40%, the World Health Organization recognizes this as a severe public health problem. In Peru, approximately 43.5% (urban) and 51.1% (rural) of children between the ages of 6 and 36 months have anemia. Currently, limited data exists regarding prevalence rates in many of the high altitude regions of Peru. The main purpose of this pilot study was to establish evidence of anemia in infants and children (7 months through 5 years of age) living in the rural, mountainous region of Ollantaytambo District. This pilot study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional design to assess the presence of anemia in infants and children. Hemoglobin levels were collected from 160 children across 12 villages where elevations ranged from 2800 to 4100 meters above sea level. Chi Square tests compared anemia with age ranges, altitude, anthropometric measures, breastfeeding patterns, and types of communities. Adjusted hemoglobin levels established 47.5% of the 160 participants were anemic. Chi Square results indicated children aged 25-36 months and children living in communities at 3100 and 4100 meters displayed higher than expected rates of anemia. Results confirmed high rates of anemia and the need for education related to dietary factors

International Service-Learning: A Synthesis of the Research Literature

There is an increased effort to prepare students in higher education to work and live in a global world, especially in health-related fields. The focus on global communities with a strong commitment to cultural diversity is a high priority for many institutions of higher learning. To reach this goal, educators need research-based pedagogies to facilitate optimal learning outcomes. This session will look beyond the literature that presents only personal experiences and anecdotal evidence of learning to review research conducted with international service-learning programs. The review of literature includes publications between 1998 and 2012 and documentation as a research study using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. These recommendations may be used for designing and implementing programs to ensure the most effective service-learning experiences. The learning objectives for this session will include: The participants will be able to describe 8-10 research-based recommendations for implementing an international service-learning program. The participants will actively engage in dialogue regarding how these recommendations can be adapted for use in a local community. Every student cannot engage in international travel. With some prior planning, they can be afforded the opportunity to engage in meaningful service-learning with a culturally diverse community, either at home or abroad

A Mission of Hope in Ecuador

For many college students, spring break means hanging outon the beach and partying with their friends. For ninesenior Clemson nursing students, the spring break of 2008 will be remembered as one with lots of hard work, long hours of travel and service to others. The nursing students tookpart in a medical mission in several rural villages near Macas, Ecuador, through a partnership with Volunteers in Medical Missions. The students received academic credit for the clinical component of community health nursing. Community health nursing utilizes service-learning as a pedagogy for teaching community care, social justice and cultural competence. While all students enrolled in community health nursing participate in service-learning projects, these are usually at the local level.This student group was unique because they implemented their service-learning at the international level

Contributing to Family Health using a Promotora Program in Guatamala

Pneumonia and diarrhea can be addressed with early detection and education, yet low rates of literacy and high rates of poverty impact the ability of parents in rural Guatemala to recognize and seek treatment for their children. This article describes the health promotion program implemented to address these and other common health problems in one isolated community. A promotora program utilizes informal, indigenous leaders within the community to promote health in Latino populations. Developing a health education program based on the promotora concept empowered the women of the community by giving them the knowledge and skills to improve the health of their families and their community. The lessons learned from this culturally-based health promotion model are appropriate for application in local and international communities

Educational Offerings: Can We Motivate People to Attend?

The healthcare crisis of recent years has affected all levels of providers. Many issues can be cited that increase the stress and day-to-day demands of nursing staff. Continuing education and staff development departments have begun to feel the effects, not just on departmental staff, but in the participants of educational offerings