NURS 4325: Nursing Research Discharge Teaching Following Stroke College of Nursing and Health Innovation, The University of Texas at Arlington

NURS 4325: Nursing Research on Discharge Teaching Following Stroke at the University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington's College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers NURS 4325, a pivotal course titled "Nursing Research." This course delves into the fundamental concepts, processes, and applications of nursing research, emphasizing the nurse's role in clinical decision-making and practice. A significant component of the curriculum is the exploration of discharge teaching following a stroke, underscoring the importance of effective communication and patient education in post-stroke recovery.

Course Overview

NURS 4325 is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of nursing research methodologies and their practical applications in clinical settings. The course aims to:

1. Explain the interrelationships among theory, practice, and research.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic elements of the research process and models for applying evidence to clinical practice.

3. Advocate for the protection of human subjects in the conduct of research.

4. Evaluate the credibility of sources of information, including databases and internet resources.

5. Participate in the process of retrieval, appraisal, and synthesis of evidence in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team to improve patient outcomes.

6. Integrate evidence, clinical judgment, interprofessional perspectives, and patient preferences in planning, implementing, and evaluating outcomes of care.

7. Collaborate in the collection, documentation, and dissemination of evidence.

8. Acquire an understanding of the process of how nursing and related healthcare quality and safety measures are developed, validated, and endorsed.

9. Describe mechanisms to resolve identified practice discrepancies between identified standards and practice that may adversely impact patient outcomes.

These objectives are achieved through a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical assignments that encourage critical thinking and application of research findings to clinical practice.

Discharge Teaching Following Stroke

A critical aspect of NURS 4325 is the focus on discharge teaching for stroke patients. Effective discharge education is paramount in preventing readmissions and promoting optimal recovery. Research indicates that comprehensive discharge instructions significantly enhance patient safety and satisfaction. For instance, a study by Schneider and Howard (2017) demonstrated that utilizing technology to provide additional discharge information improved patients' readiness for discharge and their ability to cope post-stroke.

The course examines various strategies to enhance discharge teaching, including:

• Utilizing Technology: Implementing digital tools to deliver discharge instructions can cater to diverse learning preferences and ensure information is accessible.

• Personalized Education: Tailoring discharge teaching to individual patient needs and comprehension levels enhances understanding and adherence.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engaging the entire healthcare team in discharge planning ensures comprehensive education covering all aspects of post-stroke care.

• Follow-Up Support: Providing resources for post-discharge support, such as contact information for healthcare providers and community resources, can aid in the transition from hospital to home.

By integrating these strategies, nurses can significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life following a stroke.

Course Materials and Resources

To support the learning objectives, NURS 4325 utilizes the following textbooks:

• "Understanding Nursing Research: Text and Study Guide Package" (6th ed.) by Grove, S., Gray, J., & Burns, N.

• "APA: The Easy Way!" (2nd Ed.) by Houghton, P.M., & Houghton, T.J.

These resources provide foundational knowledge in nursing research methodologies and APA formatting, essential for academic writing and research documentation.

Course Prerequisites

Enrollment in NURS 4325 requires the following prerequisites:

• ENGL 2338 or equivalent

• MATH 1308 or equivalent

• NURS 3345 or NURS 3645

These prerequisites ensure that students possess the necessary skills in English composition, mathematics, and foundational nursing knowledge to succeed in the course.

Course Format and Schedule

NURS 4325 is offered in various formats, including asynchronous online classes, to accommodate diverse learning preferences and schedules. For example, the Summer 2026 session was conducted entirely online, allowing students to engage with course materials at their convenience.

The course spans a typical semester, with specific dates and times varying by session. Prospective students should consult the current academic calendar for the most up-to-date information on course offerings and schedules.

Conclusion

NURS 4325 at the University of Texas at Arlington's College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers a comprehensive exploration of nursing research, with a particular emphasis on discharge teaching following stroke. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, the course prepares nursing professionals to enhance patient outcomes through effective research and education strategies. The focus on stroke discharge teaching underscores the program's commitment to addressing critical aspects of patient care and recovery.

Below are sample Questions and Answers:

Discharge Teaching Following Stroke
Compared with current discharge teaching for CVA patients, does technology enhance
discharge teaching and coping? The question is crucial as it seeks to determine the need to
upgrade discharge teaching methods with the help of technology. In United State, around
800,000 people have a stroke every year and it is one of the common causes of adult disability
(Schneider & Howard, 2017). A stroke is a life-threatening condition. It has long-lasting effects
and demands care and treatment throughout life after its attack. Therefore, even after the
discharge of patients from hospitals, it is essential to take crucial measures to prevent further
attacks.
Management of patients with stroke is necessary for their healthy life. A discharge sheet
is given to patients to help them take adequate measures to avoid such life-threatening events.
The instructions must be followed strictly by patients. However, the discharge sheet is usually
loaded with a lot of information. This information is communicated via oral and written means of
communication, that is, by providing written notes or verbal instructions. It is not always
convenient for patients to read and understand such overwhelming messages for guidelines.
Given the limitations of nontechnology methods, healthcare organizations can benefit from
automated discharge technology to support continuity of care (Castillo,2018).
Summary of Research Article
This nursing qualitative research article enhanced my knowledge about the importance of
communication with the patients at the time of discharge planning, and how effective
communication with the patients at the time of discharge can lower re-admissions and improves
patient health and satisfaction. Schneider & Howard (2017) conducted a descriptive comparative
study design using random sampling from a 55-bed acute care ortho-neuro trauma unit.