Recorded presentation

Katherine K. Kinsey, PhD, RN, FAAN¹, Ann Walker, MSN, RN², and Mary Ellen T. Miller, MSN, RN¹. (1) School of Nursing, La Salle Neighborhood Nursing Center, La Salle University, Box 808, 1900 West Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141, (2) Neighborhood Nursing Center, La Salle University, Box 808, 1900 West Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141-1199, 215.951.5031, walkera2@comcast.net

In 1995, The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Report described environmental competencies for nurses. Three themes emerged: The environment is a primary determinant of health, nurses are well positioned for addressing environmental health issues in communities and nurses are lacking in the knowledge to address environmental issues. The IOM Report recommended that environmental health concepts be incorporated into all levels of nursing education. In 2000, a small urban liberal arts university offered incoming students who aspired to enter the nursing program a health science environmental course: Unhealthy urban environments, healthy solutions. This course integrates the fields of earth science, health science, environmental science and public health. Experiential and group project emphasize the interrelationship of the health status of inner-city residents with the urban environment. A community windshield assessment to explore an "insider" and an "outsider" perspective is one example of a course assignment. The capstone project is the scripting, editing and videotaping of a Public Service Announcement related to environmental health issues via the university cable television station. At the conclusion of the course, students are able to identify diseases with known environmental causes, recognize the relationship between the environment and human health, and assess the impact of social, environmental, occupational and economic factors on the health of urban residents. These course outcomes reflect several goals of Healthy People 2010 where Focus Area Eight is dedicated to Environmental Health. Summative course evaluations have overwhelmingly provided qualitative data to support the fact that students perceive themselves as "connected' to the environment as a result of engaging in this course. Strategies for replication are included.

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

• Identify key environmental health competencies as defined by the IOM
• State the impact of social, environmental, occupational and economic factors on health 3)State the difference between "outsider" and "insider" community assessment methods

Keywords: Nurses, Environmental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: La Salle University
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: full time employment at La Salle University

Recorded presentation