Authors

  1. Shustack, Lisa EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, CNEcl

Article Content

There are many experiences that cannot be replicated in the classroom. A virtual field trip allows students to have the interaction needed to gain a deeper understanding of many concepts. During a fundamentals nursing course, a virtual field trip was arranged to engage 43 students in communication practice, home safety, and older adult fall risk assessments. Using Zoom, students followed along as the faculty member walked through the home and assessed for home safety concerns. The students conducted their respective group assessments via video conferencing. The students were then assigned to a Zoom breakout room where they discussed and developed teaching interventions for the older adult. At the conclusion of the group meeting, students returned to the main Zoom room and shared their teaching interventions with the older adult. The virtual field trip provided a unique opportunity for students to conduct a home safety and fall risk assessment safely using remote learning. During the virtual field trip, students were able to point out loose rugs, dim lighting, improper footwear, and use of assistive walking devices. This virtual field trip allowed students to practice delivering care in a home setting while working together to assess health barriers and home safety interventions. This unique virtual experience also created an opportunity for students to digitally converse with a home patient mimicking a telehealth appointment. Conducting a virtual field trip provides a way to expose students to a home fall risk assessment prior to a clinical experience or may be used in replace of one. Feedback from both the students and the older adult volunteer was overwhelmingly positive.