SABBATICAL LEAVE APPLICATION. Dr. JoAnna Schilling, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Transcription

1 SABBATICAL LEAVE APPLICATION TO: FROM: Dr. JoAnna Schilling, Vice President of Academic Affairs Rachel Natividad, Professor of Nursing DATE: February 7, 2014 SUBJECT: Request for Sabbatical Leave for the Academic Year I. REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE I am applying for a year-long sabbatical for the academic year at 100% compensation. I have been employed full time at Cerritos College since Fall 2002, and this is my first sabbatical leave request. II. PURPOSE OF LEAVE I aim to research creative, innovative, and interactive nursing classroom and clinical teaching strategies that reflect a curriculum that is responsive and adaptable to both student and health care system needs, and acknowledges the role of technology (National League of Nursing [NLN], 2003). The purpose of my leave is to research and explore innovative and emerging approaches to nursing education implicated by major advances in nursing and health care practices. The ever-evolving transformation of the health care system directs the need for change and innovative approaches to nursing education (NLN, 2003). A report from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (2010) stated that, "nurses are ill-prepared for the profound changes in science, technology and the nature and settings of nursing practice". Several nursing education conferences I attended confirm that there is a theory-practice gap in nursing, which is defined as a gap between what is currently taught in nursing education and what is practiced in the work place (Jackson, Blutueau, & Furlong, 2013; Kalayi & Atkintola, 2013). There is an expanding gap between nursing education and what learners need to know for safe and competent patient care. I would like to close this gap at Cerritos College. I also recognize the changing profile of college students and that the learning needs of today s student are not being met by the traditional lecture and Powerpoint presentations. A critical part of teaching is to engage our students in the classroom with interactive methodologies. The use of technology plays a critical role in making this possible. It is therefore imperative that nursing educators align nursing education with practice, and increase the use of relevant technology to teach nursing. 1

2 Nursing faculty recognizes that our curriculum model is outdated and does not clearly articulate current nursing education concepts and practices. This was validated in the Nursing Department Unit Plan, the Instructional Program Review, and the Cerritos College Nursing Program Self-Study Report (2013) for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Self-Study Site Visit. The Nursing Department Curriculum Committee consists of all nursing faculty and meets once a month to review and propose revisions to curriculum. The depth and details of my proposed project requires extensive amount of time and resources, which exceeds the normal parameters of a full time faculty member s teaching assignment. It is challenging to devote the time required to complete this project while holding a full time teaching assignment and other departmental responsibilities. The time that will be allotted for my study and research on contemporary nursing education models will assist our curriculum committee to move forward with changes necessary to address the areas in our curriculum that need development. I propose the following sabbatical leave objectives: 1. Expand my knowledge on innovative approaches to nursing education and explore different models of concept-based approach to nursing education. In my preparation, I have encountered at least 20 concept-based models. I will use a systematic approach to researching the various concept-based models in order to inform the nursing department the information needed to choose the best model for our program. 2. Research ways to increase integration of established professional guidelines and competencies recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and concepts from Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN). 3. Develop technological competencies to further develop my instructional skills by studying the increasing use of technology and the Flipped Classroom to increase student engagement. A Flipped Classroom involves students using technology at home to watch online video lectures, demonstrations, and explanations of assignments while class or lecture time is spent doing what is traditionally called homework." The teacher in a flipped classroom is able to facilitate learning by working oneto-one with students, clarifying assignments, and offering assistance as needed. 2

3 III. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES 1. Expand my knowledge on innovative approaches to nursing education and explore different models on concept-based approach to nursing education. a. Review professional literature: 1. To determine what employers and the nursing profession require from the next generation of nurses 2. To identify the process of how to best implement innovative approaches to didactic and clinical nursing courses such as concept-based nursing curriculum b. Attend professional development conferences, workshops, or webinars to support knowledge regarding concept based curriculum c. Visit nursing programs that implemented a concept-based curriculum d. Network and coordinate meetings with fellow nursing educators to discuss the changes they implemented to their delivery of nursing education and how professional development supported their instructors e. Review nursing textbooks, and related on-line materials, that address a concept based curriculum 2. Research ways to increase integration of established professional guidelines and competencies recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and concepts from Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN). a. Review professional literature regarding integration of QSEN activities and IOM recommendations b. Attend conferences, workshops, and participate in webinars c. Network and coordinate meetings with fellow nursing educators to discuss the changes they implemented to their delivery of nursing education d. Integrate IOM recommendations and QSEN components/concepts into nursing courses (Nursing 210, Nursing 212) 3

4 3. Develop technological competencies to further develop my Instructional skills by studying the increasing use of technology and the Flipped Classroom to increase student engagement. a. Review literature and other relevant resources on the Flipped Classroom b. Attend conferences to understand the implementation of technology to teach nursing via the Flipped Classroom c. Research how to implement the Flipped Classroom and apply to the nursing courses I teach, such as Nursing 210 and Nursing 212 d. Network with other educators (in nursing and other disciplines at Cerritos College, e.g., automotive, science, math) who implemented the Flipped Classroom in their courses e. Examine computer software such as the Virtual Clinical Excursion (VCE) and technology used to bridge didactic and clinical nursing (i.e., the Flipped Classroom) f. Incorporate the components of the Flipped Classroom in nursing courses (Nursing 210, Nursing 212) IV. PREPARATION To prepare for this sabbatical leave project, I have: A. Attended the following conferences and workshops: 1. International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), Las Vegas, NV, June Mosby Faculty Development, Las Vegas, NV, January, National League of Nursing Conference, Arcadia, CA, March, Webinars: Concept Based Curriculum a. Concept Based Nursing - Step One: Choosing Concepts, September 27, 2013 b. Concept-Based Nursing - Step Two: How to Build Your Concept-Based Curriculum, October 4, 2013 B. Read the following articles and books: Benner, P., Sutphen, M., Leonard, V., & Day, L. (2010). Educating Nurses: A Call for Radical Transformation. 1 st Ed. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA. Cronenwett, L., Sherwood, G., Barnsteiner, J., Disch, J., Johnson, J., & 4

5 Mitchell, P. (2007). Quality and safety education for nurses. Nursing Outlook, 55(3),122. Giddens, J. F., & Brady, D. P., (2007). Rescuing nursing education from content saturation: The case for a concept-based curriculum. Journal of Nursing Education, 46(2). IOM. (2003). Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality. IOM. (2008). Retooling for an aging America: Building the health care workforce. America-Building-the-Health-Care-Workforce.aspx. Ironside, P. (2004). Covering content and thinking skills: Deconstructing the additive curriculum. Journal of Nursing Education, 43, Theis, S., & Wheeler, P. (2003). A challenge to meet the future: Nursing education in Oregon, Journal of Nursing Education, 42(4), C. Researched conferences and workshops I plan to attend 1. Elsevier Nursing Faculty Development, January, Nursing Education Research Conference, April, International Nurse Education Conference, June, National League of Nursing Education Summit, September, 2014 D. Researched a computer software (Virtual Clinical Excursion) for a planned trial E. Researched schools of nursing that implemented changes to their nursing education approach, in order to arrange visits to these schools. Nursing Programs site visits include (but are not limited to): 1. College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA 2. Riverside Community College, Riverside, CA 3. Wake Technical Community College, Raleigh, NC 4. Golden West College, Huntington Beach, CA 5

6 V. PLANNING ITINERARY August 2014 to September 2014: 1. Collect and read research and books related to innovations in nursing education, concept based nursing approach to teaching, and technology in the classroom. 2. Review literature regarding innovations and emerging approaches to nursing education. 3. Identify concept-based nursing education, and research different models of concept-based curriculum, including themes and organizational frameworks. 4. Identify the major concepts threaded throughout the curriculum for these concept based models and compare with our program curriculum. 5. Arrange visits with schools and do site observations and interviews 6. Compile information on concept based nursing approaches, curriculums, and models. October 2014 to November Compare and contrast different models of concept-based approach. 2. Research how to implement a concept-based curriculum. 3. Visit nursing programs that implemented the concept based curriculum. 4. Attend conference and workshops on concept-based curriculum and integration of IOM and QSEN recommendations. 5. Meet with Cerritos College Director of Nursing and members of the Nursing Department Curriculum Committee to discuss and decide on at least two concept based models that align with the nursing programs mission and objectives to meet the learning needs of our students. December 2014 to mid-january Continue with site visits to nursing programs. 2. Attend conferences on technology and nursing education that focus on the Flipped Classroom. 3. Identify the process on how to implement the Flipped Classroom to my nursing course. 4. Compile information on the Flipped Classroom. Mid-January 2015 to March Examine computer software to use for clinical and didactic teaching. 2. Create a plan for curriculum change that is based on the nursing department s shared vision to increase student learning: a. Define and identify concepts to be used for a concept-based curriculum. 6

7 b. Develop two different models and templates for a Concept - Based Curriculum to propose to the Nursing Department Curriculum Committee. c. Incorporate IOM competencies and QSEN concepts in nursing education to nursing courses (Nursing 210, Nursing 212). April 2015 to May 2015: 1. Prepare the materials and lesson plans needed to implement the Flipped Classroom into nursing courses (Nursing 210 and Nursing 212). 2. Develop lesson plans and activities using the Virtual Clinical Excursion software into the didactic portion of a nursing course (Nursing 212). VI. SERVICE AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION 1. Service to the Student: With the new knowledge and understanding of the innovative and emerging methodologies to teaching nursing including the use of technology, I will be able to enhance delivery of nursing education by translating and implementing the new approaches I learn into my nursing courses: a. Integration of IOM recommendations and QSEN concepts and competencies into my nursing courses (Nursing 210, Nursing 212) b. Implementation of computer software (the Virtual Clinical Excursion) and the Flipped Classroom into my nursing courses (Nursing 210, Nursing 212) I want to take a leadership role and inspire my colleagues to change the way we teach nursing and to be more successful in ways to engage students with the increased use of technology in our nursing courses. 2. Service to the Department: My proposed project will contribute to the Nursing Department Curriculum Committee s curriculum review and revision process, and ultimately contribute to overall program improvement. The Cerritos College Nursing Program is in the process of an extensive review of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) curriculum in order to include regulatory changes set forth by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). My proposed project directly addresses Standard 4: Curriculum, which is identified by the ACEN as an area that needs development. 7

8 Area Needing Development by ACEN Accreditation Standard Standard 4: Curriculum a. Ensure the curriculum incorporates current professional standards, guidelines, and competencies. b. Ensure the program length is congruent with national guidelines and best practices. I will present my research and proposal for a concept based nursing curriculum to the nursing faculty and nursing curriculum committee to facilitate curriculum revision that is reflective of current nursing practices and contemporary education models such as the concept-based nursing curriculum and recommendations by the IOM and QSEN. My proposed activities also contribute to the Nursing Department Unit Plan Goal #3: Goal 3: Promote effective teaching practices in order to maintain a rigorous, current curriculum in accordance with BRN and ACEN recommendations. My sabbatical research and findings will positively support our ongoing efforts to maintain and prepare for program accreditation. 3. Service to Cerritos College: The Cerritos College Nursing Program mission is to prepare nurses to meet the needs of the diverse population in an ever-changing health care environment (Cerritos College Nursing Student Handbook, 2013, p. 6). My proposed activities support the nursing program and the College s mission by enriching the educational experience of the students and preparing them to work as adaptable registered nurses in a multicultural community to address the health care needs of today s patients in a variety of health care settings. The proposed activities also contribute to my professional development and educational expertise, and support the College s mission to provide academic excellence and enhance the institutional distinction of the college. In addition, the proposed sabbatical project activities are aligned with the Cerritos College s Strategic Goals 2 & 3: Goal 2: Cerritos College will promote effective teaching practices informed by pedagogical expertise, collaboration, reflective self-assessment, and integration of classroom technology to facilitate student engagement and achievement of educational goals. Goal 3: Cerritos College will consistently support an inspiring teaching and 8

9 learning environment by providing an academic infrastructure that is safe, accessible, sustainable, and enhanced by current technology. 4. Service to the Community: My goal is to effectively influence the nursing curriculum committee to move forward with a shared vision to change the curriculum to meet student, current workforce and the community, and health care system needs. New approaches to nursing education are crucial if we want to prepare our students for the health care environment today and the future. It is critically important to respond to the implementation of the Affordable Healthcare Act and its implications for the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) graduates and the community we serve. VII. REPORT ON SABBATICAL LEAVE I will submit a formal written report verifying that the objectives of my sabbatical leave have been met. This report will be completed by the end of the semester following my leave. VIII. REFERENCES Benner, P., Sutphen, M., Leonard, V., & Day, L. (2010). Educating Nurses: A Call for Radical Transformation. 1 st Ed. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA. Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Press Release (January, 2010). Educating nurses: A call for radical transformation. Retrieved October 1, 2013, from Cerritos College (2013). Cerritos College Nursing Student Handbook. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from 44a5-a513-c2cd1784ed81/Syllabus/4cc71f62-bbbe b7- e9a690da0c1a/student%20handbook%202013_2014.pdf Jackson, A., Bluteau, P., & Furlong, J. (2013). Interprofessional Working in Practice Avoiding a Theory-Practice Gap. International Journal of Practice-based Learning in Health and Social Care, 1(1), Kalayi, G., & Akintola, A. A. (2013). Preceptorship: Bridging the theory practice gap and enhancing transition of new graduates. International Journal of Nursing Care, 1(1), National League of Nursing (NLN). Position Statement (2003). Innovation in 9

10 nursing education: A call to reform. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from df Tanner, S. J. (August 1, 2013). Formal notification letter by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to Cerritos Community College. Atlanta, GA. 10