Integration of community partnerships in a baccalaureate nursing program

Development of a meaningful community curriculum for baccalaureate nursing students is of paramount importance for the future of nursing and society. The Consortium Program of St. Elizabeth School of Nursing and St. Joseph's College conceptualized an integrated community component across the curriculum as the foundation for community content. Courses revolve around partnerships with 30 community-based facilities. Targeted facilities are predominantly low-income, with some occupational and higher-end retirement communities. Populations served include the homeless, near homeless, at-risk elderly, children, recent immigrants and local factory workers. Students spend two hours each month at these facilities providing free assessments ranging from blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screening to body-fat analysis, and health risk appraisals. A variety of education offerings are also provided regularly. During the first two semesters of their second year, students rotate through a variety of agencies to experience working with all of the populations. Didactics include concepts of community and health promotion. In the following semester, students are assigned to one facility for their remaining semesters. Incoming students are paired with those previously assigned to the facility for mentoring and support. Targeted community assessments are completed and community action plans are developed and implemented. Community action plans address long term needs and issues. They are updated and revised as each successive set of students is assigned to the facility. Instructional content includes community nursing process, epidemiology, environment and the needs of vulnerable populations. To date, over 2000 clients have benefited from these services. Relationships have been developed and strengthened with the local community health clinic, area drug representatives and a physician group to assist in the continuity of care for the most at-risk populations. Student and faculty involvement have aided in access to care for some and increased compliance for others. Early identification of potentially fatal conditions has also occurred. Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive as they are able to see the impact they have on community as well as discovering the number of individuals who have little or no access to care. Individuals and facilities served are grateful for the continual support provided by the program.