Implementing a Veteran-Centered Community Health Clinical Experience in a Baccalaureate Nursing Program

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Community Health
• Veteran Healthcare

Background:

• Baccalaureate nursing students focused on veteran and family healthcare needs.
• Learning experiences aimed to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) for holistic, relation-centered care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To equip nursing students with specialized KSAs for veteran-centered care.
• To integrate veteran-specific resources into a community health nursing curriculum.

Main Methods:

• A clinical course incorporated findings from veteran-centered publications and nursing association resources.
• Formative and summative data were collected through discussions, assignments, and a seminar.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated increased awareness of veteran resources and services.
• Students expressed a deeper understanding of complex veteran health issues.
• Students recognized the autonomous nature of community health nursing.

Conclusions:

• The community health fieldwork experience is sustainable and beneficial.
• The academic institution and clinical partner are committed to future collaboration.
• Students enhanced their KSAs and gained orientation to the Veterans Affairs Health Care System.