Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108659

Marianne Fraser, MSN, Community Health Nursing, University of Utah College of Nursing, P.O. Box 526146, Salt Lake City, UT 84152-6146, 801-485-5353, marianne.fraser@nurs.utah.edu

The University Of Utah College Of Nursing is dedicated to the preparation of students for active professional and public collaboration in community, national, and international efforts to promote health. The purpose of this presentation is to describe how this philosophy is operationalized through the use of academic service learning (ASL) and Healthy People 2010.

ASL is a pedagogical approach that makes an intentional effort to engage students in planned and purposeful activities related to the content of their didactic courses. These activities meet community needs, empower consumers, and raise the students' consciousness and familiarity with the dynamics associated with diverse community issues, advocacy groups and non-profit agencies.

The three HP 2010 concepts used to develop the framework for ASL include: determinants of health, leading health care indicators, and health care disparities. Students work in a variety of community agencies such as: elementary schools, disease-specific community foundations, advocacy groups, and hospice organizations. Students in the second semester nursing research class for example are helping the Utah Lupus Foundation develop an information web site. In Community Health Nursing (Third Semester), students study HP 2010 health care disparities and make home visits to Navajo elders on the unpaved, high mesa roads of the Navajo Reservation.

The idea of robust civic learning includes exposure to cultural, social, or economic diversity, political participation, leadership, and social responsibility. For nursing students, the goals of HP 2010 and its clearly articulated components provide a useful framework that help students understand the relationship between responsible civic engagement and a community's health.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the audience will be able to

• Discuss the concept of academic service learning as it relates to public health nursing.
• Articulate the relationship between academic service learning and Healthy People 2010.
• List four examples of nursing courses that could integrate an academic service learning/ Healthy People 2010 community experience.

Keywords: Nursing Education, Community Involvement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.