Page 13 - LSU_Winter_2018_Magazine_REV

see them again, so you have to learn how to cover as many issues as possible in a single visit and try to ensure they leave in a positive state of health.”
These experiences open students’ eyes to new patient perspectives, the magnitude of the e ects their care can have on these patients and the complexities of their health care needs.
The School of Nursing has also partnered with the School of Allied Health Professions’ Occupational Therapy Neurology/Stroke Clinic and Department of Communication Disorders to give prospective nurse practitioners practical experience with medically complex patients.
“In the Neurology/Stroke Clinic, they learn the value of collaborative practice as they work with physical therapy
and occupational health students and other providers to help patients facing significant disability,” explains Dr. Divens. “They begin to understand the role
of each member of the care team and learn more about what happens a er patients they may have seen in the hospital progress to rehabilitative and follow-up care.”
Partnering with the Department of Communication Disorders helps nursing students understand what services are available for their patients with conditions that a ect hearing, communication, language and speech; who they can refer patients to for diagnoses and therapies; and how they can better communicate with and promote a better quality of life for these patients. Participation in this clinic further supports interprofessional education and collaboration, essential
“These are eye-opening experiences that prepare nursing students for what they will face upon graduation and give them opportunities to develop skills for communicating with and meeting the care needs of these patients.”
Latanja Divens, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Instructor of Nursing and principal investigator for the ANEW grant
elements of a nurse practitioner’s practice and e ectiveness in caring for vulnerable populations.
Grant recipients, 24 of whom are studying to become primary care family nurse practitioners and one who is specializing in adult-gerontology primary care, spend time training in all of these areas. Each recipient expressed a desire to work in a medically underserved area or with underserved patients during their interview process.
“This program increases our students’ abilities to care for the diverse populations they will encounter a er graduation,” says Dr. Divens. “Each experience opens their eyes to what people in their communities really face and gives them the confidence and insight to do what they can to improve those patients’ lives.”
EDUCATION.RESEARCH.PRACTICE.SERVICE. 11