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An innovative method used with community health nursing students in developing a community health improvement plan

Cherie R. Forsha, MSN/MPH, RN, Department of Nursing, California State University, Long Beach, 5431 6th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043, 323-296-2649, EdwardandCherie@aol.com

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has contracted with local health departments to provide clinical rotations for their students in community health. In Los Angeles County (LAC), the students are exposed to a variety of opportunities during this clinical rotation. To give the students a since of accomplishment, one of the required assignments is to work on a community health improvement plan using the LAC Public Health Nursing Practice Model. This plan is to be implemented over several semesters. In the initial semester, the students conducted an in depth assessment of one district within Service Planning Area (SPA) seven(7) in partnership with the public health nurses in the district. The assessment was related to one of Healthy People 2010’s leading health indicators: overweight and obesity. After which, the students made their diagnosis based on the qualitative and quantitative data obtained, this identified the issue among school-age children. More specifically, one of the highest rates was found in a school district within SPA 7. The outcome objective was determined by the students: the prevalence of overweight and obesity in this school district will decrease. In order to accomplish the outcome objective, CSULB students developed a plan to increase knowledge and awareness, modify behaviors and norms, as well as address laws and policies, which will be accomplished through performing several public health interventions; community organizing, coalition building, collaboration, counseling, outreach, screening and more. The project is in the implementation and process evaluation phase.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

Keywords: Children's Health, Obesity

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: I am employed by both CSULB and LAC-DHS&P

Public Health Education

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA