Teaching Community Health Nursing by Distance Methods: Development, Process, and Evaluation

Evaluation found students were able to meet their course objectives and perform as well as students who had completed a similar on-campus course and one need identified was for detailed information about the course and more frequent communication with the course instructors during the term.

Abstract

In 1995, 23 post-RN (RN-to-BSN) students successfully completed the first clinical nursing course offered by distance methods at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Distance delivery improved access to the course for RNs dealing with conflicting work and family demands. Students rated the course favorably overall and found they had learned and applied new knowledge and skills. Community health nurses, who acted as field guides, and their supervisors were satisfied with their roles and responsibilities. However, one need identified was for detailed information about the course, and another was for more frequent communication with the course instructors during the term. Evaluation found students were able to meet their course objectives and perform as well as students who had completed a similar on-campus course.