The College of Applied Sciences and Arts (CASA) had its first ever interdisciplinary student workshop with the Department of Occupational Therapy (OT) and The Valley Foundation School of Nursing. The workshop was the idea of OT student Renee Demaree who planned and organized the day-long workshop that was conducted in the simulation and skills labs at the Valley Foundation School of Nursing.

The goal was to help students increase their understanding of the role of other healthcare disciplines and facilitate their ability to work collaboratively. Nursing Lecturer Debbie Nelson and OT Assistant Professor Dr. Gigi Smith assisted students during the workshop.

Nursing students Tiffany Tran and Angelo Vitug addressed safety issues in working with patients in the hospital environment. Nursing student Stephanie Mejia led a patient care simulation where a nursing student played the role of a patient and OT students provided care to the patient. Students awaiting their turn were learner observers. A debrief of the simulation followed to allow students time to give feedback and discussion.

OT students Jazmin Arellano and Allan Romero presented on the role of occupational therapy in the hospital environment and other health care settings. Small group activities promoted active learning and collaboration.

Workshop participants expressed appreciation for the experience. Both groups of students came away with a deeper understanding of each other’s professional roles and how to facilitate inter-professional partnerships. Plans are underway for more of these collaborative interdisciplinary experiences in the future.