Statistics and the working nurse

Abstract

Recently, Bellarmine University's Nursing department introduced two new programs: a bachelor's degree for registered nurses, and a professional doctorate in nursing practice. These programs enroll working nurses, who have substantially different needs than the traditional undergraduate population. This paper discusses how statistics course offerings have adapted to the demands of the other profession. More specifically, this paper considers several topics. Funding differs, since the employer pays most costs. Because participants have full time jobs, course meetings must become less frequent and longer, leading to substantial challenges. The topics and examples need to balance customary choices with the rapidly changing demands of the medical profession. Students' experience and computer availability shift computing requirements. Finally, the students have different demographics and personalities; this alters how classes are conducted, including the perplexing problem of perfectionism.