Authors

  1. Buelow, Janet R. PhD
  2. Tillman, Paula DNP, RN
  3. Taggart, Helen PhD, RN

Abstract

Background: Interprofessional collaboration in health care settings improves patient safety and outcomes, yet collaboration among health professionals requires specific competencies and skills. Providing nursing students with interprofessional learning experiences with multiple health professions is possible yet challenging.

 

Problem: Opportunities for effective online interprofessional learning are lacking.

 

Approach: This article explores nursing students' reflections on how an interprofessional learning experience, Virtual Grand Rounds (VGRs), influenced their personal development and provided meaningful learning that they can use in their practices as professional nurses. Thematic analysis was done on the open-ended questions in students' final reflection assignment.

 

Outcomes: Analysis of student reflections identified 5 learning themes including the value of teamwork and collaboration, the importance of communication skills, professional identity, plans to engage diverse health professions, and the desire for future learning.

 

Conclusions: Student reflections indicate the VGR was an effective method for nursing students to experience collaboration with multiple health professions without disrupting curriculums.