Service Learning Activities

More Than Classes & Textbooks

Because learning takes place not only in the classroom but also in the community, service learning is an important part of the nursing curriculum. Service learning promotes hands-on learning by:

• Fulfilling community needs
• Promoting civic responsibility
• Actively reflecting and reinforcing classroom learning
• Developing strengths that last a lifetime

Building Knowledge

Service learning activities enhance your nursing skills as you progress through the program. Written assignments are a part of most activities.

Level I Students

• Students provide wellness assessments and education at Doorstep, Knightsbridge, and Highland Park Methodist Church.
• Students assist with a health fair at Brewster Place, a retirement, assisted living and nursing center.

Level II Students

Nursing of Childbearing Families
At the Stormont-Vail Birthplace breast-feeding clinic students assist with assessment of babies and provide education and support to mothers.

Level III Students

Nursing of Elders

• Students provide a wellness clinic at the Plaza West Apartments, housing for the elderly and people with disabilities, and at Lulac Senior Center.
• Some students assist with the prostate screening offered by Stormont-Vail HealthCare
• Some students accompany a home health nurse and assist with scheduled services.

Nursing of Children

• Students complete vision checks and Denver Developmental Screenings at daycare centers.
• Students participate in the annual health check day at Head Start.

Level IV Students

All students complete a minimum of three hours service learning as part of their clinical practicum. Examples of activities include the following:

• Assist at the Kansas State Nurses Association office preparing for annual convention and nurse’s day at the legislature
• Assist at the Baker University Community Wellness Fair
• Provide physical assessments for Baker University football players
• Teach proper car-seat installation for Safe Kids, Shawnee County Health Department
• Teach life skills for mental health patients at the Valeo Care Program
• Help with the community blood drive
• Staff the clothing center or provide referral and support-group information for clients of Birthright
• Assist with giving flu shots for employees at Stormont-Vail HealthCare
• Help provide health screens and other activities at the Kid’s Fest at the Kansas Expo Center
• Serve meals at the Topeka Rescue Mission or Jubilee Kitchen in Lawrence