Incorporating Service Learning and Collaboration into the Family Nurse Practitioner Program

The purpose of this educational initiative is to incorporate service learning into the clinical experience for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students while improving access to health care in underserved communities. Service learning activities in academia have been found to improve student learning outcomes and satisfaction. Access to health care is essential to improve health outcomes in rural areas. Limitations of clinical sites often create a challenge for faculty in FNP programs. This initiative provides a clinical setting for a faculty supervised clinical experience in which students can enhance their clinical skills while providing service to underserved communities. The University has partnered with the Purchase Area Health Education Center (AHEC) to provide free health screenings in selected underserved counties to individuals across the lifespan . The community health screening clinics provide the opportunity for FNP students to enhance their clinical skills while developing an understanding of the cultural, economic, and social issues influencing the health of rural communities. Allied health undergraduate students assist in screenings and are introduced to health care concepts in rural areas. Faculty in the FNP program work directly with both the FNP and the allied health students in the clinics; thus, faculty have the opportunity to directly supervise and evaluate the FNP students communication and clinical skills. The program provides a win-win for students, faculty, community clients, and the community at large. Relationships are established and built in rural communities across an underserved region, while improving health care access and services. This program provides an interdisciplinary experience while enhancing student learning experiences and impacting the health of the citizens of the Commonwealth.