Innovative Use of Service-Learning to Enhance Baccalaureate Nursing Education.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Community Health
• Pedagogical Innovation

Background:

• Service-learning is a pedagogical approach primarily used in community nursing education.
• Expanding service-learning offers opportunities to improve assessment, critical thinking, and understanding of health determinants.
• Changing healthcare landscapes necessitate innovative educational strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the benefits of integrating service-learning throughout nursing curricula.
• To enhance nursing students' learning experiences and professional development.

Main Methods:

• Implementing service-learning in foundational nursing courses.
• Challenging students with complex care management within a framework of caring and cultural competence.
• Integrating service-learning across the entire nursing program.

Main Results:

• Service-learning integration can lead to positive, sustainable community changes.
• Students develop a holistic client perspective, critical thinking skills, and cultural competence.
• The approach prepares students for social responsibility and self-care.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing nursing curricula with service-learning strengthens the educational experience.
• Fosters key nursing concepts: caring, social responsibility, cultural competence, and self-care.
• Collaboration with diverse community leaders facilitates sustainable projects benefiting communities and nursing education.