PI: Debra Edmunds
Evaluation of how well the academic objectives of the proposal were met
Student academic objectives for this project included the following:
Development of cultural competence
Identification of culturally-appropriate nursing interventions
Utilization of family nursing principles
Collaboration with community partners
Promotion of healthy behaviors
Participation in health conference
Immersion in various cultures
The following excerpt from a student’s reflective journal illustrates that academic objectives were met (used with permission):
“I have learned a lot from this population and this knowledge has allowed my attitudes to develop and mature in understanding of this high-risk population. Refugees are a misunderstood and, many times, forgotten population that have experienced extensive trauma. I worked with many people on my mission that came from these backgrounds but I never had the opportunity to help them in this type of a setting. I have come to realize that for many people, their story will never be truly known because it is lost in the traumatic holes of their lives. Therefore, it is up to me, no matter how I am treated, to be kind and Christ-like because some of these people have never been able to trust and it is not really their fault. I need to make choices that are in the best interest of the patient while also extending charity. With that thought, I think that with charity comes a degree of advocacy. Without language fluency, money, education or connections, these people are in an extremely vulnerable position. They need people to lean on and they need people to speak for them. I would like to somehow provide more refugees with in-home visits – whether that be from local nursing schools or from a community organization – because I feel that this will help develop a system of support that provides a voice to those who are unable to speak. When we attended the refugee conference I realized just how many issues need reform and need some sort of change to be made. I believe that if enough healthcare professionals are made aware of these issues that it can and will change. In summary, I have learned that I have to do something. Not many people have the opportunity to see the lives of adjusting refugees as I have which endows me with a degree of responsibility to advocate where and when possible.”
The majority of the budget was used for travel for students who would not have otherwise had an international experience. The North American Refugee Health Conference brings healthcare providers from all over the world to discuss critical issues facing refugee families. Both years the students were able to attend the conference sessions and provided health fairs in Toronto and New York. This experience was a capstone for all the other academic activities during the semesters and helped in meeting all of the objectives of the course.
Evaluation of the Mentoring Environment
Students met regularly with faculty during the winter cultural preparation course. They were mentored as they developed teaching modules for refugee families. Regular evaluation and feedback took place and the small number of students in the course facilitated a close relationship between student and faculty mentor. During spring semester, faculty met weekly with students for the purpose of debriefing. A rich mentoring environment was provided as students worked in health clinics with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The faculty visited students during each shift at the clinic. Faculty also joined students for refugee family visits. Students were mentored through the process of identifying needs, setting goals, and evaluating progress for their assigned families. Students were also mentored as they participated in the presentations at the refugee health conferences. Another mentored experience was providing health screenings in Salt Lake, Toronto, and Rochester for refugee and immigrant populations. Principles of cultural competence, collaboration, and community-based care were introduced and reinforced by the mentors.
List of students who participated and what academic deliverables they have produced.
Spring 2015:
Braidee Adams, Lindsey Doman, Rachel Eddy, Hortencia Gutierrez, Chelsea Harrison, Hillary Herbert, Madison Pachner
Spring 2016:
Addie Amini, Catherine Anderson, Katelyn Anderson, Lissa Brock, Michelle Dickey, Sophia Ducroisy, Jamie Gettys, Mirel Hernandez, Jenna Mills, Elisabeth Young
Lundberg, K. & Edmunds, D. (2016). Student nurses engaging refugee children in health promotion activities. Society of Pediatric Nurses 26th Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
Edmunds, D. & Mabey, L. (2016). Cultural Preparation for Healthcare Workers Serving Refugee Families. North American Refugee Health Conference. Niagara Falls, NY.
Edmunds, D., Lundberg, K., Adams, B., Gilland, H., Harrison, C. & Raymer, M. (2015). Engaging Nursing Students in Refugee Health. North American Refugee Health Conference. Toronto, Canada.
Lundberg, K., Edmunds, D., & Palmer, S. (2015). Nursing students promoting health in refugee families. 12th International Family Nursing Association Conference, Odense, Denmark.
Lundberg, K., Edmunds, D., Doman, L., Eddy, R., Gutierrez, H., & Pachner, M. (2015). Role of mentoring in a refugee clinical experience: The voices of students. North American Refugee Health Conference, Toronto, Canada.
Description of the results/findings of the project.
The outcomes identified were met including providing nursing care to refugee families in Salt Lake City, serving in community clinics, setting up health screenings, and traveling to and presenting at refugee health conferences. The students reported that it is a life-changing experience to attend the sessions at the international Refugee Health Conference. It broadened their world-view of health and increased their cultural competence. They are prepared to deliver excellent nursing care to diverse populations.
Description of how the budget was spent.
Diabetic and blood pressure screening supplies: $300.00
Presentation Materials: $200.00
Conference registration and travel expenses to Toronto: $8,500.00
Conference registration and travel expenses to New York: $8,000.00
Remaining funds to be used for future public and global health mentored experiences, supplies and presentations.