title: An innovative approach to enhance dermatology competencies for advanced practice nurses: service–learning with a migrant farm worker health clinic.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to describe a novel service–learning opportunity for graduate nursing students that promotes competency in dermatology. A hybrid service–learning course with online didactic content is described, along with tools for evaluation of dermatology competencies. Student evaluation of the course is discussed, and selected research articles are reviewed. Advanced practice nursing and medical education frequently does not adequately prepare primary care providers to be competent in the assessment and management of dermatologic conditions. Embedding dermatology content in a service–learning program can optimize the provision of care, strengthen competencies in dermatology and inter-professional care, and allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the population with which they work. The innovative service–learning program presented is a model for advanced practice nursing education. Tools for evaluating clinical competency and courses often need validation.
authors.affiliation: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. edownes@emory.edu
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Downes
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Connor
authors.forename: Maeve
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Howett
mesh_terms: D057179:Advanced Practice Nursing / Q000193:education*; D000383:Agriculture; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003880:Dermatology / Q000193:education*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D006268:Health Facilities; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007858:Learning; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D014171:Transients and Migrants