An open letter from Janice Buttler, associate professor for Trends in Nursing class in the Nursing Department, spring 2004

The Supporting Actions for Engagement (S.A.F.E.) grant was a perfect fit for the Service Learning projects that students in the senior level nursing course are required to complete. The course, Trends in Nursing, requires students to select a current issue or trend in health care and thoroughly research the topic. Through this research, a weakness or problem will emerge. They are than to create a project that addresses this weakness.

This year the students were to focus their assignment on Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as required by the SAFE grant. The students embraced the concept and went out into the community as “trail blazers”. They contacted community institutions and collaborated with them to help improve and in some cases, develop programs to help the community with homeland security.

At the end of the semester, each student was asked to prepare a “testimonial” as to the effect this project had on them. Their personal reflections revealed “amazement” as well as “personal growth”. Every student agreed this was much more than just a course requirement; it was an opportunity to create something meaningful and sustainable.

As a project leader, I realized the endless possibilities that are available when students are given meaningful assignments and the flexibility to create something. As a result of these projects, community institutions – such as the American Red Cross, The Health Department of Somerset, and the Health Care Association of New Jersey, became active supporters of the S.A.F.E. grant and the RVCC nursing students. We have created lasting partnerships within the community.

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