The use of a homeless shelter as a clinical rotation for nursing students

Homeless persons are a population at risk in the community with health problems which nursing can impact. They are a heterogeneous group from all levels of society with a variety of acute and chronic health problems. Senior nursing students learn the theories and causative factors of becoming homeless as well as the resources available to them in this southeastern city. The students are also introduced to the mechanisms by which homeless persons interact with the present healthcare system. The clinical experience is described as it occurs in this inner city location. Learning activities include health assessments, treatments, education, and referrals. The value of this experience to the student is that it promotes independence, self-direction, and priority setting. The advantages and disadvantages of this clinical experience for senior nursing students and their clients are discussed.