Faculty utilize various methods in the theory and clinical teaching environments. Some of these practices include: lecture/discussion, case study, journaling, simulations, computer assisted instruction, audio visuals, power point presentations, attendance at professional meetings, and group presentations.
The Nursing Skills Lab is equipped for the teaching of basic skills. Mid-fidelity simulation models are available for teaching students in a non-threatening learning environment. Because of the program's location in a metropolitan area, a variety of clinical agencies are available for instruction. These agencies include, but are not limited to, private and public hospitals, assisted living and nursing home care, health department, hospice and home care, state mental institution, clinics, and numerous physician offices. Some of the hospitals available in the greater metropolitan area for clinical placements include: Baptist Medical Center, Mississippi State Hospital, River Region Hospital, River Oakes Hospital, St. Dominic Hospital, Merit Health Central Mississippi Medical Center, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Students also take advantage of specific clinical experiences in the surrounding more rural areas. This results in students having broad clinical experiences with patients from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic groups.
Clinical experiences are chosen to facilitate the achievement of learning outcomes and utilize concepts identified in the School of Nursing's organizing framework. Progressive leveling of clinical sites allows students to progress from care of the individual to care of groups, families and communities, and from commonly occurring to more complex alterations in human functioning. Students have clinical experiences in adult health, maternal-child health, psychiatric/mental health and community health. The emphasis in each of these areas varies with the semester, starting with less acute situations and moving to the more acute situations as the student progresses.
