Mary Anne Ventura
Instructor
206e Nursing Sciences Building
Penn State University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-867-3058
Email: muv113@psu.edu
On Interprofessional Education
“As a seasoned health care professional and educator, I have seen significant changes in the approach to how we care for those who need attention due to acute or chronic changes in their physiological status. So much of what we offer to those who require care should focus on individual needs, rather than just textbook information or theory related to a specific diagnosis. This has become increasingly evident, and research has validated and helped to push for the incorporation of this way of thinking into today’s standard of care.
“I truly believe that working as a team, and building healthy working relationships while using each other’s strengths, can assist with reaching a common goal and eventually improve health outcomes. When multiple health care professionals from a variety of backgrounds work together with patients, families, and communities to deliver the highest quality of care, good things can and WILL happen.
“We must respect the ideals and values of other occupations, or specialty areas when working together. We must identify and accept our own strengths and weaknesses as well as the strengths and weaknesses of those we collaborate with. And we must keep all lines of communication open by actively listening to other team members, and making our points clearly understood by all as well.
“Overall, whether we are focusing on health care alone, or the education process related to health care, we must accept that change continually takes place around us. I believe that having a better understanding of what we need to do, as well as what our team members are able to do, will assist with an enlightening and appreciation of the concepts surrounding IPE.”