Analysis of graduates' perceptions of an accelerated bachelor of science program in nursing.

Rapid expansion of second-degree programs as one approach to addressing the nursing shortage by increasing the number of graduates in shorter periods of time prompted the need for program evaluation to identify the outcomes, strengths, and best practices of these programs. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry to analyze the responses of 28 of 56 recent graduates of an accelerated baccalaureate program. Respondents rated components of the program from preadmission to graduation on a Likert scale and responded to open-ended questions regarding strengths and weaknesses of the program.

Integrating the curriculum to advance baccalaureate nursing education.

In 2004, the School of Nursing at the University at Buffalo began a program in which individuals with a degree in another field could complete an intensive 12-month program leading to a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Curriculum design using courses from the basic baccalaureate and RN-to-BS program, as well as graduate courses, not only provided the opportunity to integrate accelerated bachelor of science (ABS) students with the other student populations but eliminated the need for the development of courses specific to the ABS program. A unique feature of the program is the incorporation of graduate courses, allowing students to earn 9 to 12 graduate credits.

A community-campus partnership: influenza prevention campaign.

Service learning and community-campus partnerships foster the integration of educational goals and community need. The authors describe a school of nursing and a visiting nurse association partnership in which undergraduate and graduate students participated in an immunization campaign. Preparation, orientation, and evaluation of students based on special course objectives is presented.

Anesthesia for selective dorsal rhizotomy in children.

Anesthetic records for the first 71 children who underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) at our hospital were reviewed. Anesthesia during SDR must preserve muscle contraction in response to direct electrical stimulation of the dorsal nerve rootlets. In our experience, halothane, isoflurane, and narcotics do not interfere with electrophysiologic monitoring, even though relatively large doses are required during SDR.

Comparison of vasoconstrictors for functional endoscopic sinus surgery in children.

Three different vasoconstricting agents were evaluated during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in 57 children. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.05%, phenylephrine hydrochloride 0.