Student Engagement in a Community Health Improvement Planning Partnership: An educational strategy for public health nursing practicums

Background: Public health nursing faculty are challenged to integrate practice experiences that address the public health nursing competencies.  Public health concepts such as assessment, planning, and policy development are particularly difficult for undergraduate students to grasp. Faculty are often stretched to find partners and practicum sites that allow students to develop the required competencies.  Local health jurisdictions that are using strategic planning tools to improve the health of their communities provide real-life opportunities for students to enhance their skills in population health.

Description: This presentation describes a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) partnership between Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and University of Washington Tacoma.  Two local healthcare systems are also core partners.  The partnership led to the development of a 10-week RN-BSN student practicum with the CHIP process. The Mobilizing Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) model was utilized. 

Lessons Learned: Students engaged in assessment, planning, and policy development activities and applied leadership skills in a strategic issues setting forum for the CHIP.  A process evaluation was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the CHIP forum.  The strengths, needs and desires of county residents are driving the process, including the identification of action steps by organizations from across the county. Students interacted with non-profit organizations, public agencies, businesses and other entities that can use the plan to focus their attention and resources on the most critical community health issues.

Implications:  Practicum experiences involving community partnerships with local health jurisdictions engaged in CHIP processes provide valuable opportunities for public health nursing education.