U N I V E R S I T Y  O F  P I T T S B U R G H

March, 2002 

School of Nursing

Every semester, in the School of Nursing each of the more than 50 students enrolled in the required senior level Community Health Nursing course works with a preceptor on a separate project that usually involves service at one of nearly 50 community sites. Nancy Donovan, clinical faculty and clinical coordinator, shared several examples of these projects:

Last semester a Community Health Nursing student presented an educational program to a group of local middle school teachers who had volunteered to serve on an emergency team for the treatment of diabetic children. Using props and posters, the student reviewed diabetes’ progression, symptoms of complications, indications that an emergency is imminent, and proper care. She also taught the teachers how to recognize the early warning signs of disease complications and prevention.

In another project, a student talked with senior citizens at the Vintage Geriatric Center in East Liberty about safe medication management, and how seniors can best prevent the onset of complications. The project included a review of individual clients’ medications, help filling out medical index cards to be carried by the clients, and discussions of how to safely administer and monitor medication.

Other Community Health Nursing projects have been conducted at area high schools. One student instructed male high school students about the early detection of testicular cancer, and another undergraduate offered multiple presentations on substance abuse issues—including discussions about the latest “fad” drugs such as Ecstasy.

The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown also includes community service projects with the course.

Among the other nursing courses that are service oriented, the Geriatric Nursing course has a clinical component in which students visit homes to provide caregiver respite and nursing care to older adults experiencing Alzheimers Disease. These same students provide health screenings and educational programs at senior centers and senior residential units.

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing course students participate in the Jubilee Kitchen. There, they therapeutically interact with the Kitchen’s predominately homeless and mentally ill clients. As part of their care-giving mission, the students also help prepare and serve meals. Other community service activities have included health assessments of homeless people at Market Square through Mercy Hospital’s Operation Safety Net, as well as a research study of the geriatric population in the Blawnox community.

Photo: Student nurse Allison Werb demonstrates for local school teachers how to give an injection.

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