Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

E. Jayne Lutz, MS, APRN, BC, Community Practice Department, University of North Carolina Greensboro School of Nursing, 319 Moore Building, PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, 336-334-5238, jayne_lutz@uncg.edu

The benefits of improving the cultural competence of nursing students through an international immersion experience have been documented but little has been published regarding immersion experiences within the United States. A small group of RN to BSN students enrolled in the capstone clinical course of their Degree Program practiced for one week with the public health nurses of the Indian Health Service, Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, New Mexico. Accompanied by a faculty member, these students were able to identify the significant impact of this experience on their professional and personal lives by helping them be more accepting of customs and values different from their own, allowing them to observe and value cultural competence, and to appreciate the advantages they usually take for granted.

There were many aspects of this experience that were unique. For example, the concepts of wellness and illness are highly influenced by the traditional Navajo culture. In addition, adult onset diabetes and obesity are prevalent in this population and there was a lack of prevention as well as inconsistencies in health maintenance with many of the residents seen during the clinical experience. The caring approach by the Northern Navajo Medical Center public health nurses exemplified the positive influence that can be realized when the residents and nurse have formed a trusting partnership based on knowledge, cultural competence, continued contact and a mutual understanding. The nursing students, working with the public health nurses were able to comprehend culturally appropriate care, participate in the care, and share the advantages of working closely with trusted providers in this population. Student experiences included home visitation, environmental assessment, a wellness party, a flu clinic, and a diabetic clinic. The students developed an awareness of barriers faced by this population in their daily lives. The term non-adherence versus noncompliance became a part of their approach to care. Becoming more culturally competent in the care of all clients, especially those most vulnerable and isolated in our own country can be an exceptional experience and impact on practice for both faculty and students.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this poster session, the participant will be able to

• Identify the influence of environment on the health of older adult residents of Shiprock New Mexico.
• Consider the importance of service learning within the United States for Schools of Nursing preparing RN to BSN students in Public Health Nursing practice.
• Discuss how wellness and illness applies to selected older adult participants of health care offered at the Northern Navajo Medical Center, Shiprock New Mexico.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered