Authors

  1. Connerton, Charlotte EdD, RN, CNE-BC
  2. Mason, Jessica OTD, OTR/L
  3. Bonhotal, Susan MSN, RN

Article Content

Nursing students have several skills labs in their curriculum. The skills lab on mobility and transfers had traditionally been led by nursing faculty. Occupational therapy (OT) faculty and students can offer increased knowledge of mobility and transfers to nursing students during a skills lab. On the day of the mobility and transfer skills lab, the OT students were responsible for teaching and demonstrating the assigned mobility and transfer topic, allowing the nursing students time to practice the skill, and then providing feedback on the nursing students' performance. Each station lasted 30 minutes to allow enough time for each student to practice the skills. Nursing and OT faculty were present during the skills lab for assistance. The nursing students prepared for the skills lab by completing the assigned mobility and transfer readings and viewing assigned videos. Skills lab content included transfers from bed to wheelchair/commode, transfers from bed to cart with transfer board, ambulation with assistive devices, use of mechanical lifts, assisted falls, and use of a wheelchair. Peer-to-peer-led activities allow teaching and learning to occur among the participants. Both nursing and OT students are expected to practice competent skills to maintain patient safety and high-quality outcomes for the patients under their care. This joint effort allowed the nursing and OT students to develop respect and effective communication while promoting collaborative interprofessional teamwork.