 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
|
| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Elizabeth Keech, PhD, RN, Karen McKenna, MSN, RN, and Debbie Wimmer, MSN, PNP. College of Nursing, Villanova University, St. Mary's Hall, Villanova, PA 19085, 610-519-4912, elizabeth.keech@villanova.edu
The College of Nursing, Villanova University has developed a program for international studies with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention. Senior nursing students participate in community assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation for health promotion activities for Chulucanas, Peru. For the last five years, this opportunity has been offered as part of a senior nursing course that focuses on concepts of public health and health promotion. Prior to going to Chulucanas, the students examine the many political, social, environmental, and cultural variables that influence the daily lives of the members of this community. In preparation for the trip to Chulucanas, students must identify the health needs of the community (often based on the assessment from previous years) and develop an appropriate health promotion strategy to address selected health problems. Working with local health workers, the students are able to do home visiting and observe the local system of health care. They present health education programs to the health workers and community members. Faculty roles include collaboration with multiple agencies and individuals in both the United States and Peru. Faculty commitment to this project has fostered strong relations and enables the faculty to facilitate student assessment and learning. Students are guided to prepare presentations that are practical and culturally appropriate. For one week, students become immersed in a different culture and observe first hand the difficulties facing the members of the community of Chulucanas. They also experience community spirit, cultural pride, and observe local solutions to many health problems.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: International Public Health, Nursing Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Villanova University: employment
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.