Abstract
The healthcare needs of the underserved in rural Appalachia are staggering. The lack of healthcare professionals, access to healthcare facilities and minimal funding greatly contribute to this state of emergency. Providing a service-learning nursing elective for baccalaureate nursing students offered some assistance to improve health and increase students' awareness of the unique aspects of the culture which exists in Appalachia. A qualitative descriptive research design was used to explore the students' perceptions of their experiences. Six open-ended questions were posed and the data was thematically analyzed. Appreciating the affective learning gained through the experience may motivate nurse educators to create similar opportunities / experiential learning experiences for their students. Also, sound suggestions about financial support, planning and trip preparation, and community networking should provide helpful strategies to those who might consider a similar learning opportunity.
Location
Room 1220
Recommended Citation
Dattilo, JoEllen and Estes, Susan, "Cultural Engagement: Baccalaureate Nursing Students' Experience in Appalachia" (2013). SoTL Commons Conference. 5.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/sotlcommons/SoTL/2013/5
Cultural Engagement: Baccalaureate Nursing Students' Experience in Appalachia
Room 1220
The healthcare needs of the underserved in rural Appalachia are staggering. The lack of healthcare professionals, access to healthcare facilities and minimal funding greatly contribute to this state of emergency. Providing a service-learning nursing elective for baccalaureate nursing students offered some assistance to improve health and increase students' awareness of the unique aspects of the culture which exists in Appalachia. A qualitative descriptive research design was used to explore the students' perceptions of their experiences. Six open-ended questions were posed and the data was thematically analyzed. Appreciating the affective learning gained through the experience may motivate nurse educators to create similar opportunities / experiential learning experiences for their students. Also, sound suggestions about financial support, planning and trip preparation, and community networking should provide helpful strategies to those who might consider a similar learning opportunity.
