SXU Nursing Students Present at Health Fair
Saint Xavier University (SXU) nursing students recently presented at a health fair at the faith-based community Maranatha Chapel in Evergreen Park as a community practicum for their holistic care clinical practice course. Students discussed women's health and preventative care with church members and demonstrated such skills as performing breast self-examinations and understanding the signs and symptoms of depression.
The innovative learning experience provides unique health promotion learning opportunities for the nursing students, who are able to apply the concepts of community and public health nursing they're learning in the didactic course. It also builds confidence in client teaching and education.
The community members identified the health fair project topics with faculty and student input. Then, the students work together with faculty guidance on the development of the health fair presentation, which involves demonstrations and discussions.
"Experiences such as these are true examples of high-impact learning, as students get to be directly involved in promotion of health and preventative care through discussion and demonstration. The clinical experience taught them how to be proactive and encourage their clients to be proactive when it comes to cancer screening, depression screening and health education," said Zepure Samawi, Ph.D., the nursing professor who initiated, developed and implemented the community clinical site for the community practicum.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and found that it helped them to gain confidence, understand that each community has diverse needs, and that they can truly make a difference for their communities through health education.
The Student Experience
"This experience taught me that there are many opportunities to be an advocate for the community. I was inspired to see if there are opportunities like this at my church that I can participate in. The English and Arabic women's ministries were so thankful and appreciative for the information we presented about menopause, breast self-exams and depression. I am grateful to have been able to share this important information with an audience who can now share it with someone else."
-Arielle Arboleda, nursing major
"At this experience, I met with wonderful youth leaders, congregational partners, and Arabic and English women's ministry groups. Many of the women didn't know all of the information we presented, and they were very responsive with active listening and questions. I really enjoyed teaching and spreading knowledge about early detection and screening. It felt good to assist the community in understanding common health topics. Promoting health to be able to detect issues early on and guide the client to receive treatment is pivotal."
-Brandon Thomas, nursing major
"At this clinical experience, I was able to connect with community members. Being a nurse often encompasses life outside of work, and it's important for us as future nurses to foster the heart and mindset to make an impact wherever we are. Community members shared their gratitude for the way information was presented and the opportunity to ask questions, which is often not the case during routine doctor visits. I've gained a new appreciation for the community public health nurse."
-Emica Quigley, nursing major
"This clinical experience taught me to be more active in my own faith-based community and bring more awareness to issues within the community. It's important to keep in consideration the diverse cultures found in the community and determine which populations are at need and how they can be educated on important health topics."
-Itzel Murillo, nursing major
"After this clinical experience, I gained perspective and joy in being able to participate in community activities. I enjoyed feeling confident and welcoming a new community. I know that when I take on my job as a nurse, I will confidently educate my patients on awareness. As nurses, we can impact others in many ways by sharing valuable information in a variety of settings."
-Jasmine Verduzco, nursing major
"During my clinical experience, I interacted with multiple individuals from different backgrounds. Listening to their stories, I gained a new perspective of what it means to be part of a faith community and I enhanced my communication skills. I am proud to know the information I shared with community members impacted their knowledge on preventative care for physical and mental health and enjoyed gaining more confidence as an educator. Nurses have an obligation to be responsibly involved in their communities."
-Kathleen Janiga, nursing major
"I gained knowledge and a real connection with the community, who thought our presentation was well-researched, organized and informative. I enjoyed learning about the things I can do as a nurse to help people in the community and give them the knowledge and resources to be as healthy as possible. It's eye-opening to see the role a nurse plays in the health of a community."
-Saleena Trejo, nursing major
"The community members were very thankful and appreciative of the information and time put into our presentation. I really enjoyed meeting the women of the English and Arabic Bible study groups and educating them with valuable information regarding breast self-examinations, depression and menopause. This experience helped me to learn the importance of health promotion in the community."
-Stephanie Palmer, nursing major