CUMU Conference 2019

Baccalaureate nurses are educated to provide equitable health care services to vulnerable, underserved populations, yet, they are often unprepared to care for individuals and families within these marginalized communities effectively. Nursing educators wrestle with preparing the future nursing workforce to meet the needs of these populations that suffer significant health disparities. This presentation focuses upon the integration of engaged civic learning (ECL) within a social justice framework for developing nurses as global citizens to provide culturally congruent.

In preparation for these ECL experiences, both university administration and faculty targeted outreach to schools, hospitals, clergy, and other organizations within the local urban community, and these efforts led to multiple partnerships that served as a basis for our students’ experiences. Engaged civic learning was integrated into every level of nursing education, within schools, churches, shelters, health care centers, and a fitness center.

Because of the high percentage of Spanish-speaking residents (40%), many with limited English proficiency, we collaborated with the World Languages department to develop a comprehensive Spanish for Health Professionals program, which helps students at any level of Spanish language proficiency—from novice to heritage speakers—to effectively communicate with these populations. Health-related international experiences further expanded students’ ECL to countries such as Guatemala, Cuba, and South Africa. Preparation for these experiences includes in-depth analysis of the historical and socio-political aspects of the country with lessons in cultural humility and congruence. Students—from their entrance into nursing school until graduation—journey toward becoming engaged global citizens caring for increasingly diverse populations.