The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44246

Margaret A. Fournier, RN, MS, College of Nursing, University of Southern Maine, 96 Falmouth St., P.O.Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300, 207-780-4146, maggief@usm.maine.edu and Janet Z. Burson, EdD, RD, FADA, College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of Southern Maine, 96 Falmouth St., P.O.Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300.

This partnership was initiated in the baccalaureate nursing program as part of a curriculum wide emphasis in community based nursing. It involves mutual collaboration with people working in the fishing industry and those living on the remote islands in Casco Bay, Maine. Commercial fishing is one of the most hazardous occupations in the U.S. Families of fishermen are frequently uninsured and often deal with emotional and financial hardships, which can adversely affect their health status. Fishermen, in particular, suffer from accidents and muscular/skeletal trauma. In the year 2000 alone, ten deaths occurred while fishing in the rough north Atlantic. Mental health issues related to grief and loss occurs regularly in this tightly knit fishing community. Skin cancers, dietary imbalances, alcoholism, and other ailments often go untreated because of lack of insurance and accessibility to health care services. In addition, older adults who live on the islands year round are geographically isolated and do not have routine access to health care. To date, students have networked with island residents, public health nurses, coast guard officers, marine rescue personnel, and other key informants. All activities are student initiated. The partnership is working to develop public health services such as a waterfront clinic and home/boat visiting programs. During a two-year commitment to the partnership, students learn community assessment, health promotion, and mutual collaboration with underserved aggregates. The success of the partnership is dependent on the development of a solid alliance with the community.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Describe the unmet health needs of fishermen and island residents working and living off the coast of Maine.
• Recognize the value of community partnering in developing health prevention strategies.
• Analyze how principles of public health nursing are acquired through active participation of baccalaureate nursing students in community partnership.
• Demonstrate the positive effect of community engagement on students' development of lifelong civic responsibility.

Keywords: Community-Based Partnership, Nursing Education

Related Web page: www.usm.maine.edu/con/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Southern Maine College of Nursing and Health Professions 96 Falmouth St. P.O. Box 9300 Portland, ME 04104-9300
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment