Expanding urban learning experiences for non-traditional students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Community Health
• Urban Health

Background:

• Educating nurses for complex urban inner-city health needs presents ongoing challenges for academic institutions.
• Recruiting suitable students and providing effective learning experiences are initial hurdles.
• Understanding and overcoming barriers to healthcare access for underserved populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore strategies for enhancing nursing education for urban inner-city populations with complex health issues.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a Returned Peace Corps Fellows program and a community health nursing track.
• To identify key attributes of successful providers working with underserved communities.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a Returned Peace Corps Fellows program integrating prior service experience with nursing education.
• Development of a community health nursing track within an undergraduate nursing program.
• Placement of Fellows in service positions for practical learning and stipend support.

Main Results:

• The initiative has shown successes in addressing educational challenges for urban health.
• The program fosters a sense of service and creative problem-solving among future nurses.
• Integration of Peace Corps experience enhances professional learning and clinical skills.

Conclusions:

• A structured program integrating service experience can improve nursing education for complex urban populations.
• Community health nursing tracks and fellowship programs are viable models for addressing healthcare disparities.
• Nurses motivated by service and adept at resourcefulness are vital for underserved communities.