Effectiveness of Community Health Worker/Nursing Student Teams as a Strategy for Public Health Nursing Education

Abstract

A unique program that partners community health workers with nursing students was developed in response to community-based participatory research data and integrated into a public health practicum at a baccalaureate nursing program in West Michigan. The goal of the program is to promote the health of 3 underserved urban neighborhoods while educating nursing students in population health and public health nursing. The purpose of this paper is to describe program conception and implementation and discuss evaluation of educational outcomes as a public health learning experience.

Evaluation of a College-Community Approach to Developing Multi-level Primary Health Care-Population Health Promotion Practicums for Nursing Students

“…Similar to previous work (Bentley & Ellison, 2005;Erickson, 2004;Reimer Kirkham et al, 2005;Zandee et al, 2010), students reported gaining empathy for people's life situations and health experiences including a better understanding of the challenges that people face in accessing health care services. One student shared: "the practicum opened my eyes about the complexity of people`s life situations, struggles, system barriers, and health issues."…”

“…Developing deeper understanding, empathy, and a sense of social responsibility have been variously reported. This includes a greater awareness and empathy for how context and barriers impact health experiences (Bentley & Ellison, 2005;Erikson, 2004), improved communication with vulnerable populations (Erikson), cultural awareness (Zandee, Bossenbroek, Friesen, Blech, & Engbers, 2010), understanding personal biases and prejudices, and awareness about the relationship between social responsibility and professional practice (Bentley & Ellison). Reimer Kirkham et al (2005) observed the growth of critical awareness and sense of ownership in "needing to do something" to address issues that challenge people's health.…”

Attitudes toward Community - based training and internship of Nursing students and professors: a qualitative study

“…Development of students' capabilities during their education is the goal of all leading universities. In a study carried out by Zandee et al (4) in the Calvin College, Department of Nursing community health nursing students worked with public health staff to provide service and training to West Michigan community. Nursing students in the program focused on cultural issues, critical thinking, nursing process, health indicators, available resources, social justice, vulnerable populations, and evidence-based practice.…”

Teams of Community Health Workers and Nursing Students Effect Health Promotion of Underserved Urban Neighborhoods

“…In conclusion, initial outcome data suggest that CHW/nursing student teams can positively impact the learning of public health nursing students (Zandee et al., ) and the health of underserved populations. This unique collaboration, however, should be studied further.…”