A partnership for community-based nursing experience: Head Start/Harper College

Area of Science:

• Community Health Nursing
• Nursing Education
• Public Health Initiatives

Background:

• William Rainey Harper College sought to enhance community-based nursing education for its students.
• A partnership was established with the Community Economic Development Association of Cook County, Illinois.
• The initiative aimed to connect nursing students with families in a Head Start program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a meaningful community-based nursing experience for second-year students.
• To meet the health service needs of Head Start families.
• To integrate pediatric and psychiatric nursing concepts within a community setting.

Main Methods:

• Second-year nursing students were linked with families in a Head Start program.
• Students contributed to the health service plan for assigned families.
• A unique integration of pediatric and psychiatric nursing concepts was utilized.

Main Results:

• Students received a comprehensive community and family learning experience.
• The project provided a portion of the health service plan for Head Start families.
• The article details the project's development, successes, failures, and adaptations.

Conclusions:

• The project successfully offered a practical community-based nursing experience.
• The integration of diverse nursing concepts enhanced student learning.
• Program adjustments were made based on the first year's outcomes.