The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41834

Nancy A. Sowan, PhD, RN¹, Sharon Moffatt, MS, RN², and Mary K. Canales, RN, PhD¹. (1) School of Nursing, University of Vermont, 225 Rowell, Burlington, VT 05405-0068, 802-656-3053, nsowan@zoo.uvm.edu, (2) Division of Community Public Health, Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, PO Box 70, Burlington, VT 05402

This paper is a report of a HRSA funded project at the University of Vermont School of Nursing (UVM-SON) to strengthen the PHN practice component of our baccalaureate program. The purpose of this project was to increase the number of students participating in PHN practice experiences at the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) through the creation of a mentoring partnership model between VDH staff and UVM-SON faculty. Specific objectives were to create a mentoring partnership model for academic/agency collaboration in the development of PHN practice experiences of baccalaureate nursing students; pilot the mentoring partnership model in four VDH district offices; significantly increase the number and proportion of students receiving PHN practice experiences at VDH. Consultants and project staff conducted workshops to facilitate the integration of the mentoring partnership model with the academic and agency institutions. The model directly targeted the educational needs of PH nurses in terms of their roles and responsibilities when working with baccalaureate nursing students. It also provided clinical opportunities for students to learn with and from many staff within VDH, broadening their perspectives of public health and facilitating the development of skills necessary for forming partnerships with colleagues and community members. Outcomes included improved working relationships with mentors; better communication between student, mentor, and faculty; new creative energy; doubling the number of students who received PHN practice experience at VDH; involvement of five VDH district offices and the central office with five additional offices adopting the collaborative mentoring model for use with other schools of nursing.

Funding: HRSA (1 D11 HP 00068-01, N. Sowan, Project Director)

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Identify the components of the mentoring partnership model developed for academic/agency collaboration.
• 2. Describe the strategies of the model used to increase the participation of undergraduate nursing students in public health nursing practice experiences.

Keywords: Education, Public Health Nursing

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: HRSA project grant (1 D11 HP 00068-01)