UNMC student outreach helps communities

UNMC West Nebraska Division nursing student Jessica Bruce, center, shows high school students how to take a blood pressure.

Fall has always been a busy time for students involved in community outreach. Education and health screenings fill a gap particularly for the underserved.

On Nov. 4, the UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff and the Western Nebraska Community College hosted its Second Annual Health Fair open to the community. Students from the College of Nursing coordinated the event with assistance from Wendy Wells, nursing instructor.

Dental hygiene students enrolled in the College of Dentistry in Scottsbluff and students from the UNMC College of Pharmacy doing rotations in Scottsbluff, also participated as well as Kelsey Miller of the Nebraska Panhandle Area Health Education Center. Between 75 and 100 attended the event.

Wendy Wells, instructor at the UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division, said for the event, students learned about a particular health issue and its impact, investigated prevention options and created information for the public.

Staffing an information booth are West Nebraska Division nursing students (left to right) Julie Jordan, Jessica Bruce, Annie McCloud, Ashley Montoya and Anna Loy.

She said senior students planned, organized, and promoted the health fair to learn how it’s done. “It increases their skills & confidence with working with the public and provides education and services to the public,” Wells said.

In addition, on Nov. 7, Panhandle area high school students interested in health careers participated in five hands-on activities at West Nebraska Division. It was part of a multi-agency Business and Industry Program to connect high school students to local health education options and local career opportunities. Wells coordinated the event for the college.

The Lincoln Division nursing students participated in a variety of activities including educating immigrants and refugees in the Lincoln area about how to know when and where to access health care services. UNMC College of Nursing Lincoln Division instructor Sharon Baker received a $300 grant from Sigma Theta Tau to provide education and digital thermometers in partnership with Lutheran Family Services and Southeast Community College at First Presbyterian Church.

“Unfortunately, too many people use emergency rooms when it’s not appropriate,” Baker said. “We’re educating them about when to go to the hospital versus urgent care, primary care and medical home.”