This weeks’ blog is from Selena Gilles (sg141@nyu.edu) DNP, ANP-BC, CNEcl, ANEF, FNYAM, FAANP, FAAN, Natalya Pasklinsky, DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-Bc, CHSE, FNYAM, and Beth Latimer, DNP, GNP-BC, CHSE of New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing www.nursing.nyu.edu
In a world where healthcare complexities abound, the need for effective collaboration has never been more pronounced. Interprofessional collaboration, which brings together diverse healthcare disciplines, offers a holistic approach to patient care that transcends traditional boundaries. As the national dialogue on the cost of education for students gains momentum, the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing Interprofessional Education (IPE) Scholarship Program emerges as a beacon of innovation, tackling the pressing issue of supporting the next generation of nursing leaders.
At its core, the program is a testament to the transformative potential of partnership. Recognizing the financial challenges faced by nursing students, particularly in contrast to their medical counterparts, the Dean of Meyers forged a strategic alliance with the Long Island School of Medicine. This collaboration, fueled by a generous gift from Howard and Rory Meyers, birthed a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing scholarship support while equipping future healthcare professionals with the collaborative skills necessary for success.
So, what exactly does the Meyers IPE Scholarship Program entail? Let’s dive into the details:
A Scholarly Journey Guided by Purpose
Guided by learning objectives and critical competencies, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster teamwork and address social determinants of health (SDH). From foundational knowledge on team development to experiential learning through simulated patient care activities, students are immersed in a dynamic educational experience that transcends the confines of traditional silos.
A Fusion of Minds in Action
First-year nursing students and their second-year medical counterparts join forces in clinical rotations at NYU Langone Hospital–Long Island. Working in dyads, they provide care for complex patients while honing their collaborative skills. Through tools like the SDH assessment and SBAR communication method, students navigate interdisciplinary rounds with precision and purpose, laying the groundwork for effective teamwork. Students also join their pharmacy and occupational therapy students colleagues to participate in a two hour case-based discussion, where they work together to design a patient-centered care plan to improve outcomes for a patient with chronic disease in the primary care setting. During a discussion led by faculty, students focus on how each discipline could contribute to the care of this patient, identify the treatment objectives, and discuss how they will be addressed, as well as how each profession could address them.
A Tapestry of Benefits Unveiled
The benefits of IPE programs extend far beyond the classroom walls. From fostering collaboration and communication to enhancing mutual respect and trust among students, the program empowers participants to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare with confidence and clarity. As students reflect on their experiences, they speak of newfound confidence, deeper understanding, and a longing for even more opportunities to collaborate with their peers.
“The interaction with my interprofessional colleagues did give me confidence to interact with others in the unit.”
“Communicating the information during the meeting helped me to understand which information would be useful to pay specific attention to in my care plan.”
“I wish there were more opportunities to collaborate with medical students.”
A Glimpse into the Future
As the program continues to evolve, initial assessments reveal promising outcomes. Pre and post-tests demonstrate significant improvements in role clarity and team function among participating students, affirming the program’s value in fostering teamwork and enhancing patient outcomes. With ongoing evaluation and feedback driving its refinement and expansion, the integration of IPE into healthcare training programs holds immense promise for the future of healthcare education.
In conclusion, the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing Interprofessional Education (IPE) Scholarship Program stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. By addressing the national discourse on student education costs and equipping future healthcare professionals with the skills necessary for success, this pioneering initiative embodies the essence of innovation and excellence in healthcare education. As we continue to chart new territories in the realm of interprofessional collaboration, one thing remains abundantly clear: the future of healthcare education is bright, collaborative, and filled with endless possibilities.
The authors of this blog are members of the International Network for Health Workforce Homepage | International Network for Health Workforce Education (inhwe.org)