This study investigated how Canadian university student interns in three disciplines perceived their educational preparation for workplace writing. The students' perceptions differed markedly according to disciplinary background, with Management students responding very positively about their preparation, Political Science students responding positively, and Communications Studies students responding negatively. The authors discuss how these responses potentially reflect differing student expectations; theorypractice linkages; and patterns of integrating instruction and practice in research, analysis, and workplace genres across these disciplines. The results suggest that universities can prepare students for workplace writing by providing them with instruction and practice in common workplace genres, relevant research and analytic skills, experience in collaborative writing, ample feedback on their writing, and an appreciation for the socially situated nature of genres and genre acquisition. The authors also point to the benefits of work placement and internship programs and suggest directions for further research.

Much of the literature has focused on students in the traditional baccalaureate programs versus those who attend classes at a satellite campus and use a hybrid (combination of classroom and on-line) format. In addition, the RN-BSN nursing distance education (NDE) student population is characteristically older than the traditional student, has full or part time nursing employment, and has family responsibilities placing them at higher risk for attrition. Student attrition at a Southern California state university was higher than in the on-campus face-to-face cohorts. As attrition of NDE students continued to be an issue, the identification of risk factors for attrition and development of additional evidence-based interventions and tools was needed to promote optimal student success. Prior to the study, a few informal initiatives had been undertaken to attempt to impact attrition, but with limited success. The study validated and expanded upon reports about non-traditional NDE students at risk of attrition. As a result of the study, more focused retention initiatives have been developed to assist students to be successful and persist to graduation, such as writing tutors, library orientation, computer and technology "boot camps", alternate study plans (full-time and part-time), offering a hybrid course format (on campus and on-line class), and peer support. Attrition of students in the RN-to-BSN cohort has been reduced and the effect of the interventions continues to be monitored.

This article presents a model of integration of home health care and case management programs, designed to improve outcomes and reduce cost. Components of screening mechanisms, interventions, and outcomes are described. Financial methods for funding such a model are discussed as well as how to position and market this type of program to managed care organizations. Preliminary results of such a program implemented in a staff model HMO demonstrate reduced beddays, increased memberlphysician satisfaction, high quality outcomes, and cost effectiveness.

This article reports on a study of the transition from university to workplace writing as experienced by students in a coI thought of myself as a good essay writer. I didn't think of myself as a good writer. When you get into a work term, it doesn't matter how good of an essay you can write, because ... that's not what you need in the workplace.

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