Community health in the curriculum
As a student in the
Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice program,
you will complete a total of (112) CbSL hours spanning seven academic
quarters. Understanding and appreciating health as a community focus,
influenced by social and physical determinants, is an essential part of
the nursing education at DePaul University. The importance of health
promotion and maintenance is evident in the NCLEX-RN examination,
accounting for 6-12% of all content.
Each student is paired with a community partner in your
particular area of interest. The DePaul University School of Nursing, in
conjunction with the
Steans Center,
works with a wide variety of community nonprofit partners throughout
the Chicagoland area. Starting in your first quarter, you’ll work
directly with your community partner to identify a mutually beneficial
service-learning project. Your work will start at a very basic level,
engaging in simple tasks that allow you to get to know the organization
from the inside. As you progress through your program, you will continue
to serve at your partner organization, and as your relationship with
the organization grows, you’ll have the opportunity to take on more
advanced health initiatives, including the potential for collaborative
research.
Integrate community health into your research project
You will also have the opportunity to conduct a Community-based
Research (CBR) project with your community partner and/or faculty
advisor. The CBR project is developed in conjunction with the community
partner, and focuses on providing a deliverable product. Students
also have the option of continuing their community hours into a sixth
quarter, as needed.