5 Weeks and Time is Flying

As I enter into the 5th week of CAPS my mind is spinning with all of the information that has been presented to my students thus far. We have seen so many knowledgeable, kind, and caring professionals in our classroom that truly want to share their information with the students.
As we started the course the students were introduced to employee orientation information. They received HIPAA training along with getting ID badges and the parameters for the Allina dress code. In addition they were able to meet with a patient representative, who taught the students about customer service and how the patients are the priority in every aspect of healthcare.

The CAPS students were given their first authentic learning opportunity when they were given a video project from the infection prevention team at St. Francis. In an effort to increase hand washing compliance measures the students were tasked with creating a video that was based on changing health care professionals behavior as it related to washing hands and not necessarily how to wash hands. Each group had to write a storyboard for the video, film and edit the video. They received lessons in iMovie and set off to work. I am looking forward to seeing the final products.

Other areas of interest we have see so far are a facilities maintenance tour where a maintenance manager showed us how the hospital is built and operates to function from an infection prevention lens. Students were in the "bowels" of the hospital as well as on the roof and by the helipad.

Last week, students were visited by 4 members of a surgical team. We were able to meet and listen to a general surgeon, nurse anesthetist, director of surgical services and a surgical nurse. They shared  a great amount of information as it relates to collaborating as a team in an operating room. At the end students were able to gown, glove and mask up and try their hand at Operation.

I am amazed by the outreach the professionals from St Francis. They are truly committed to these students and providing them with knowledge and insight. I look forward the weeks ahead and what CAPS has in store for the students.