How nursing students can build stronger healthcare ecosystems

Even before graduation, nursing students can make a significant difference to their local healthcare network. There are many opportunities for them to collaborate with their local community through various projects and programs. This leads to stronger healthcare ecosystems that truly address local needs.

 

This article will look at ways that student nurses can take an active role in community-based activities. If you’re interested in a career as a community-based nurse, then you’ll also find out how following a flexible course of study could help you achieve this goal.

 

Community-based activities for student nurses

 

Studying to qualify as a nurse combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills. That being said, the field of nursing, much like most healthcare professions, is constantly evolving. Students may work on their practical skills in formal clinical placements. They can also extend their competencies by taking part in a range of community-based activities.

 

Community-based healthcare projects

 

Community-based healthcare projects often focus on public health and wellbeing goals, such as promoting healthy diet and regular exercise or quitting smoking.

 

A typical community-based healthcare project might take the form of a walking campaign hosted by schools or youth associations. In this case, nursing students could volunteer to walk with students, encouraging them to achieve their goals and acting as a positive role model.

Health fairs

 

Health fairs are educational events where members of the public are encouraged to learn about healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet and fitness. Some may also offer health check-ups, aimed at underprivileged communities. Student nurses may volunteer at these events, engaging with community members and helping with setting up equipment or check-ups.

 

Outreach programs

 

Outreach programs identify communities who may require extra help with health or emotional wellbeing and deliver this support. This could be in the form of a mobile health clinic that serves under-resourced or remote communities.

 

Student nurses can offer practical assistance with these types of programs, helping experienced staff to deliver vital services. In the next section, we take a look at how these community activities bring many benefits for both nursing students and the communities they serve.

 

The positive effects of community-based activities

 

Even at first glance, the positive effects of community-based activities for students and the public are clear. The recipients of these activities benefit by having close contact with healthcare professionals, receiving vital healthcare services, or learning about proactively managing their health.

 

Meanwhile, nursing students get the opportunity to refine non-clinical (but still essential) skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. They may also have the opportunity to use practical skills under supervision – for example, at outreach clinics.

 

Participation means that they also gain an understanding of the health needs of their local community.

By building up a rapport with the recipients of these programs, students understand that behind every healthcare issue, there is a real person whose life is impacted by their health status.

 

Research confirms the value of nursing students participating in community-based activities. One study that reviewed the effect of community-based education on student nurses’ skills found that in all cases, professional, communication, critical thinking and teamwork skills were improved. Knowledge and awareness were also enhanced.

 

Another study showed that engagement through sharing their learning with the community meant that students not only gained a range of skills, but also developed the qualities of acceptance and compassion.

 

It’s clear that the qualities stimulated by engaging in community activities help build stronger relationships between nurses and the public. Student nurses acquire vital supplementary skills such as collaboration and compassion, and gain valuable insight into the real needs of their local communities. This can help inform the direction of their future career, in roles that work closely with communities and help individual patients achieve their health goals.

 

Becoming a family nurse practitioner

 

If taking an active part in the health and wellbeing of your community appeals to you, you may wish to consider a career as a family nurse practitioner (FNP). These highly skilled nurses offer care to patients at all stages of their life. They frequently work in primary care settings, right at the heart of their community.

 

FNPs work with a high level of autonomy, with their responsibilities including diagnosing health conditions and creating treatment plans. They also have a strong focus on preventive healthcare and promoting wellbeing.

 

If you’re already a practicing nurse, you may be interested in this type of role. Maybe you have been inspired by contact with your community as part of your original studies; or perhaps you just have a strong desire to connect with people in your community.

 

Leading educational institutions will strive to align their curriculum with the ongoing developments within the nursing field and the education landscape. The Online Master of Science in Nursing to Family Nurse Practitioner program (MSN-FNP) offered by Carson-Newman University, for example, is an accredited program with 100% online coursework. It gives students the opportunity to learn from active practitioners, access to placement services, and one-to-one support from a student success advisor, transforming them into confident family nurse practitioners ready to serve the community. Click here to learn more about program specifics and the incorporation of nursing trends within the course curriculum.

 

Helping your community achieve their health goals

 

Active participation in community-based activities is a vital part of nursing students’ education. It’s clear that they can learn a host of practical skills and other qualities, such as communication, compassion, and acceptance, during these activities. They also help to bring communities together, building strong networks and addressing real health needs.