Ohio Nurse December 2021

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Page 6 Ohio Nurse December 2021 A New Normal for Ohio Universities Lataya De Jesus, MS, DNP Student The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world of education. A new sense of normal is emerging as America adjusts. Universities across Ohio follow suit by re-opening their doors last Autumn semester by welcoming back students, faculty, and staff. While colleges are excited to have students return to in-person classes, there are challenges, restrictions, and requirements necessary to promote the safety and well-being for those returning to campus. The Ohio State University (OSU), the University of Cincinnati (UC), and Ohio University (OU) shared information regarding their university reopening and the effect COVID-19 had on the education in their respective Colleges of Nursing. Most universities have institutional requirements initiated prior to the start of the semester in preparation for students and staff to return to campus. COVID vaccinations are required with a deadline to become fully vaccinated. Requests for exemptions are available for those who qualify but those individuals receiving an exemption require weekly COVID testing. Fully vaccinated students or those granted an exemption can attend inperson classes and campus activities. UC created an interesting step for students taking classes on campus. They are required to document the seat they occupy during class. This documentation allows for easy contact tracing by identifying students in close proximity to the COVID positive student. CDC guidelines are being followed requiring anyone who tests positive to quarantine for a minimum of 10 days. Other measures several universities have initiated include wearing masks indoors (and at-all times for the unvaccinated individual), maintaining a safe social distance, and limiting group assignments/ gatherings to small groups, unless outdoors. The protective measures universities have in place have proven to be effective. COVID positive rates are declining as COVID vaccination rates increase throughout universities. Universities have seen impressive declines in COVID student and staff infections since the semester began. OSU’s vaccination rates are up to over 90% since on-campus learning has resumed. OSU’s COVID positive cases reflect a decrease to 1.19% at the time of the writing of this article. The 7-day average is 1.57% which is down from 2.29% in Autumn, 2020 (Dashboard, 2021). UC has seen a drop in COVID positive cases with the 7-day average decline from 23.8% to 6.05% from early September to late October, respectively (Covid-19 dashboard, 2021). It is widely known that nursing education, at the undergraduate and graduate levels, has been impacted by the pandemic. The Colleges of Nursing at Ohio universities has adjusted their teaching strategies accordingly. It was previously difficult for students to complete clinical rotations. However, this semester, the challenges of finding clinical sites are reduced. University reputation for producing quality nurses and practitioners is a strength and benefit for organizations that has lessened the burden in acquiring clinical placement. At many organizations, nursing students can complete clinical rotations if they adhere to the COVID requirements of the facility. It is noteworthy that a challenge that continues for undergraduate nursing students is finding preceptors. Many staff RNs have been unable to precept nursing students due to the current nursing shortage and patient load. Some benefits of the COVID pandemic have been noted. Telehealth has become the norm. Several of these universities are ahead of the curve by already having experience with training their students on telehealth, but there is now an increased emphasis for graduate nurses. COVID allowed universities to improve their ability to deliver high-quality care by transiting and expanding telehealth education. These universities are in resounding agreement, that telehealth is a reality for healthcare delivery and that students be equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide an effective level of care now and post-graduation. Additionally, the increased utilization of simulation labs continues. Faculty realize that some educational components were not viable online now use this platform since students have proven their ability to understand specific concepts via online education. Faculty have been innovative by creating supplemental education not previously considered prior to the pandemic. It is important to highlight that the OSU College of Nursing has made provider wellness a priority throughout the COVID pandemic and they intend to continue embracing their motto “Live Well”. Ohio colleges expressed understanding regarding the stressors that the pandemic has had on student and faculty well-being and have demonstrated that understanding in their flexibility while maintaining the necessary educational rigor required. Instruction has not varied regarding the care of the COVID patient at these institutions. There is a consensus that infection control measures are reinforced through education. The focus continues to be on epidemiology, pathophysiology, the health of the individual, patient, and population. The real-world example of COVID-19 has been a teaching tool to help students embrace these major concepts and their importance in maintaining health and wellness. Nurses are resilient, flexible, adaptable, and they overcome. The challenges of COVID-19 are being faced head-on and nursing education triumph. When Health Care is Your Passion, Find Your Future At Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science We’re committed to student success! Our highly engaged faculty facilitate a learner-centered environment that allows students to develop personally and professionally. RN to BSN Online Completion Program Now 100% Online Flexible for the Working Professional Fall, Spring, and Summer Start Times Learn more at gscollege.edu! Contact Us Admissions@email.gscollege.edu 513-862-2743 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and approved by Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) and Ohio Department of Higher Education. Specialty accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
December 2021 Ohio Nurse Page 7 What the Professors Had to Say… “The way our students were educated prior to the pandemic provided the foundation for the transitions to new approaches that were required by the pandemic. The faculty are committed to retaining new strategies that promote student learning as we transition into educating students in the face of the pandemic.” – Dr. Cindy Anderson, PhD, APRN-CNP, ANEF, FAHA, FNAP, FAAN “Our students were able to successfully complete their educational programs in both the spring of 2020 and in the spring of 2021. That speaks volumes. They graduated competently and we’re very proud of that.” – Dr. Cindy Anderson, PhD, APRN-CNP, ANEF, FAHA, FNAP, FAAN “Even though nurse faculty were impacted both professionally and personally by the pandemic and the rapid, unexpected transition to on-line learning, nurse faculty proved themselves to be flexible and resilient in the adoption of new teaching and learning strategies to optimize student experiences.” – Dr. Marjorie Vogt, PhD, DNP, CNP, CNE, FAANP “Nursing is the foundation and backbone of health care and covid care has put enormous stress on this profession. Nurses are intelligent, resilient, and care deeply for their patients and have shown up every day of this pandemic to do their job and care for the patients and families and this dedication is amazing.” – Dr. Christine Colella DNP, APRN-CNP, FAANP Special thanks to Dr. Cindy Anderson, PhD, APRN-CNP, ANEF, FAHA, FNAP, FAAN, Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Educational Innovation at The Ohio State University, Dr. Christine Colella DNP, APRN-CNP, FAANP, Professor, Interim Associate Dean and Executive Director, Graduate programs at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Gillian H. Ice, Ph.D., M.P.H., Professor of Social Medicine and Special Assistant to the President for Public Health Operations at Ohio University, and Dr. Marjorie Vogt, PhD, DNP, CNP, CNE, FAANP, Clinical Professor at Ohio University for sharing information regarding their university’s response to reopening this semester (Autumn, 2021) and changes to nursing education. References Covid-19 dashboard. (October, 2021). University of Cincinnati. Retrieved November 3, 2021, from https://www.uc.edu/publichealth/covid-19- dashboard.html. Dashboard. (2021, October 18). Safe and Healthy Buckeyes. Retrieved November 3, 2021, from https://safeandhealthy.osu.edu/dashboard.
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Ohio Nurse December 2021

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