'Getting to Know Me': the development and evaluation of a training programme for enhancing skills in the care of people with dementia in general hospital settings.

Objective: The aims of the study were to report on the development and evaluation of a staff training intervention in dementia care designed for use in the general hospital setting: the 'Getting to Know Me' training programme. The study also aimed to undertake initial psychometric analysis on two new outcome scales designed to measure knowledge and confidence in dementia care.

Methods: The study comprised two phases.

Immersion experience in undergraduate psychiatric mental health nursing.

Immersion practica have been used in a variety of nursing settings to help prepare culturally competent nursing students. The psychiatric setting represents a diverse culture that traditionally has not appealed to nursing students when considering career options. This article describes the experiences of baccalaureate nursing students and hospital nursing staff following a brief immersion practicum at a psychiatric facility.

Promoting an active clinical learning environment for associate degree nursing students.

Nurse educators are challenged to develop and implement clinical learning opportunities. The authors discuss their experiences to include the planning process, clinical coordination and faculty roles, positive student experiences in diverse settings, and their successful outcomes. Recommendations are included which highlight a deliberate, thoughtful approach.