Nursing Students S.T.E.P. into Working World

Students at The University of Texas-Houston School of Nursing can now get hands-on pediatric experience, thanks to an innovative program at Texas Children's Hospital.

S.T.E.P., Students Transitioning Effectively into Practice, is a collaborative work-study scholarship program developed by Texas Children's nurses and the UT-Houston School of Nursing faculty.

"We are constantly looking for opportunities to collaborate with nursing schools in the area, and S.T.E.P. is a result of outstanding collaborative efforts," says Myrtle Williams, director of Texas Children's Clinical Training and Development Department. "S.T.E.P. increases clinical exposure for students while providing the hospital with high-quality support staff, so everyone benefits."

S.T.E.P. offers participants more than the average work-study program. Full-time undergraduate nursing students work as patient-care assistants in Texas Children's pediatric intensive care unit. In addition to getting paid for the hours they work, students receive academic credit and a scholarship each semester. They also participate in specially planned seminars to increase their knowledge in selected aspects of pediatric care. On average, students participate in the S.T.E.P. program for four semesters.

In turn, Texas Children's nurses have the chance to mentor students and enhance their professional growth and development. The greatest benefit S.T.E.P. provides the hospital is an avenue for ongoing nursing recruitment. S.T.E.P. students become familiar with Texas Children's and have the opportunity to interview for available positions. S.T.E.P. also provides Texas Children's with a built-in screening process.

"Students must be in good academic standing and receive recommendations from faculty to be considered for the S.T.E.P. program," says Williams. "In essence, we're adding high-quality patient care assistants to the healthcare team."

The program's in-depth focus on children also is a benefit for the future of pediatric nursing. Many nursing curriculums provide only a brief focus on pediatrics. S.T.E.P. allows students to be a part of the healthcare team while concentrating on pediatric aspects of care. Students develop an understanding of how hospital teams operate and how to interact with young patients and their families.

S.T.E.P. graduates say the program has helped them develop better communication skills, clinical competencies, problem-solving skills, time-management skills and independent thinking. Students also learned how to involve families in their children's care, which is a large part of Texas Children's family-centered care philosophy.

S.T.E.P. has proven to be such a success that Texas Children's has plans to expand the program to other baccalaureate schools of nursing, as well as other areas of the hospital.

For more information on S.T.E.P., please call 713-770-2460.

- MELISSA QUIROZ

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmc-info@tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/09_01_99/page_10.html