International Service-Learning Projects: A Role for Nursing Students Miriam Ford, PhD, FNP Rita Neilan, PharmD, RN Susan Moscou, PhD, MPH, FNP
n A bstract International service-learning activities are becoming more popular in academic programs. Nursing programs are uniquely positioned to embed service-learning projects in their curriculum because their curricula address global health, health disparities, and health policy. This article describes the role of service-learning in developing student skills by moving them from theory to practice. Further, this article describes three faculty members’ experiences visiting Guatemala to determine the suitability of this location for a service-learning activity for undergraduate and graduate nursing students. This article furthers our understanding that service-learning is a pedagogical framework. Keywords: service-learning, Guatemala, nursing students, nursing programs, international service projects
Introduction International service-learning activities are becoming more popular in academic programs because faculty see the value in bringing students to areas outside the United States. Service-learning is defined as teaching
and learning strategies that utilize community service and principles of civic responsibility while working with other students, clinical professionals, and community members (Rockquemore and Schaffer, 2000).
Miriam Ford, PhD, FNP, is Co-Interim Director at Mercy College, School of Health and Natural Sciences, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, New York, 10522. Rita Neilan, PharmD, RN, is Assistant Professor of Nursing at Long Island University, and a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of New York. Susan Moscou, PhD, MPH, FNP, is Co-Interim Director at Mercy College, School of Health and Natural Sciences, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, New York, 10522 Journal of the New York State Nurses Association, Volume 45, Number 2
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