question for school nurses about "teaching"

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Hi! I am currently a nursing student getting ready to do clinicals at an alternative high school. This school has pregnant/teen mothers along with other students there for whatever reason. We have to do a "teach" every week with them and I was wondering if you all could give me some ideas on topics that would be helpful to them. I can think of a few, like maybe something to do with self-esteem issues, std's, pregnancy in general, possibly some newborn care. I'm having a hard time trying to think like a teenager again and come up with some ideas that they will actually listen to! :) It is hard to narrow it down and be specific. If anyone has any ideas, I would really appreciate it. I would just like this to be meaningful and not just a bunch of bs to them! Thank you so much in advance!!! :)

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Why don't you ask them? (AKA Needs assessment ). Put together a list of items that you think they might need to know. But do not tell them that you are going to give them a forced choice option. First hand out a paper that says: name the top 5 topics / questions you have that you would want taught?

Then after you collect that, hand out your paper with forced choices and say, are any of these topics of interest also?

Ask key informants at the school: School nurse, counselors, principal, etc.

Ask if the school has collected any statistics on 2nd pregnancy, STDs, graduation rate, etc. (AKA outcomes)

Don't forget parenting, how to calm an infant, etc.....

Also, do a literature search on what programs deter getting pregant a second time, completing education, higher education, long term positive outcomes....

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Thank you, that is very helpful. I did plan on assessing them once I get there next week, just wanted to have some ideas before I get there! :) Thank you for your help!!!

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Specializes in pedi, pedi psych,dd, school ,home health.

How about a nutrition program...I'm sure they are very self-conscious, but want to stay healthy. The teens I work with really enjoy the information and discussion, as many obsess about their weight. YOu can get ggreat information on the ADA web site..or google nutrition or healthy eating.

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Specializes in CCU (Coronary Care); Clinical Research.
Why don't you ask them? (AKA Needs assessment ). Put together a list of items that you think they might need to know. But do not tell them that you are going to give them a forced choice option. First hand out a paper that says: name the top 5 topics / questions you have that you would want taught?

Then after you collect that, hand out your paper with forced choices and say, are any of these topics of interest also?

Ask key informants at the school: School nurse, counselors, principal, etc.

Ask if the school has collected any statistics on 2nd pregnancy, STDs, graduation rate, etc. (AKA outcomes)

Don't forget parenting, how to calm an infant, etc.....

Also, do a literature search on what programs deter getting pregant a second time, completing education, higher education, long term positive outcomes....

These are some good ideas...I definately like the idea of an informal session to figure out what the target audience wants to hear is a good idea.

When i did this type of assignment we also discussed things like:

smoking

drugs/alcohol

nutrition/weight/physical activity/healthy lifestyles

peer pressure

job/life skills (resumes/check writing/money management, etc)

parenting

nutrition during pregnancy and for baby

development of baby

how drugs/smoking, etc effect development of baby

std/contraception pregnancy prevention

community resources for health issues/job issues/abuse issues/low cost housing & transportation.

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Well thanks for the suggestions. My partner and I did a survey last week to see what the top topics were. This coming week she is going a teach on parenting and I am doing one on alcohol/drugs. Then I think my other topics are diet/nutrition, tatoos & body piercing. She is doing std's, relaxation & stress management. Those were the top pics, oh besides just "sex"...they added that one themselves. I just have a hard time being "creative" and coming up with presentation ideas. For drug/alcohol I have a video along with some good handouts/brochures I got from the Oklahoma Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. They were really helpful. But for the other topics, not sure yet!! :) I appreciate your help though very much!!!

Thanks again

Jen

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