Enact the Role of Service as a Professionally Educated Member of Society
EVIDENCE
Health Promotion Teaching Project
In Health Assessment and Promotion (N270) I had the opportunity to work with a partner to develop a health related presentation for a particular group of people. I chose to discuss the effects of stress and stress coping strategies. The target group was college students at Pacific Lutheran University and the presentation occurred approximately three weeks before finals (when stress levels are quite high). The presentation included a power point, participation in a relaxation activity, and provided information on further resources for stress management.
I have been a member of Delta Iota Chi since the Fall of 2007, which has provided me many opportunities to serve the PLU community, as well as the surrounding area. Throughout my time in Delta, I have been involved in blood drives, fund raising, and Relay for Life. During the 2007-2008 school year, I served as my class representative and I am currently serving as the Vice President.
During my Junior year I participate in a teaching exchange with UPS physical therapy and occupational therapy students. UPS students attended a variety of sessions, all taught by students, which discussed how to better care for patients with equipment that could limit movement (IVs, Chest Tubes, Nasogastric Tubes, etc.). I was one of the student teachers for the Nasogastric Tube station.
As nurses, we serve our patients and clients each and every day, whether it be in the hospital or out of the hospital. Yet, it is also important to take our service beyond what is required in the work environment alone. As professionally educated members of society, nurses can provide and participate in different service activities that can meet the needs of individuals and communities. Within the nursing profession, and at Pacific Lutheran University, there are many opportunities for service. Throughout my time at PLU I have been involved in a variety of service projects, both in and out of the classroom setting. These experiences with service have allowed me to understand and appreciate the skills that I can use to better my community and the individuals that I encounter.
One of the first service projects that I participated in during college was my Health Promotion Teaching Project. When trying to decide what population to work with, I realized that I was passionate about working people my own age, because I can relate to and understand their situation and many of their needs. My partner and I closely examined the college demographic to consider what education needs they had, and recognized that many students have difficulty handling stress and managing all of the various aspects of their ever-changing life. Thus, we developed a stress reduction seminar for college students, to help them cope with life circumstances. Our presentation offered simple solutions and tips for breaking down stressful situations and being more aware of oneself. At the conclusion of this project, I felt that my partner and I had provided a vital, educational service to our peers that would assist them with their own emotional health and well being.
This project meets the outcome of service in that
I was able to provide information and education to students as a
professionally educated member of society. One way for me to become more involved in serving the PLU community and the surrounding area was to join PLU's student nurse organization, Delta Iota Chi. Through my participation in this club as both a member and an officer, I been involved in blood drives, Thanksgiving basket donation and distribution, the Relay for Life, taking blood pressures at the Heart Walk, and many other events. Being a member of Delta has allowed me to serve others as a student and a professional, and has encouraged me to become more involved in service opportunities in the future.
It has also been a way for me to represent PLU and the School of Nursing, as a vital contributor to the campus and local community.
The most exciting service event that I have take part in during my time at PLU was the University of Puget Sound Teaching Exchange. During this event, physical and occupational therapy students come to PLU to learn about working with clients who are hooked up to equipment such as nasogastric tubes, chest tubes, and urinary catheters. UPS students move from room to room to see short presentations and participate in activities led by PLU students. I participated in the teaching of working with the client who has a nasogastric tube. This event is an example of how I was able to use my education and knowledge to provide a service for other students. Based on the information presented by me and my peers that night, UPS students will have a greater understanding of how to help their patients on the road to recovery.
When looking back over the last four years, I wish that I would have been more involved with service projects and events for those in the surrounding community, not just the student community. While I do not want to ignore the community that I have cared for these past four years, I would like to become more involved in professional service throughout the Puget Sound region, and beyond. These opportunities may come from professional nursing organization events, volunteer projects led by hospitals, church mission trips, and more. There are so many opportunities to serve, especially for those with a strong education and background, like nurses, and I plan on pursuing professional service to a greater degree after my graduation.
