Community health education re-envisioned: The value of partnership with the local food bank.

Abstract

Baccalaureate-prepared nurses must be prepared to fulfill expanding role and skill expectations in community settings to improve population health. The use of non-traditional community clinical sites provides opportunities for students to learn and use a broad skill set such as leadership, communication, research, teaching, project management, and critical thinking. Students explore utilization of epidemiological systems and nursing theories to assist groups and communities to meet their nursing and community health needs. An example of a successful non-traditional partnership was established between our school and the regional food bank. This symbiotic relationship provides two-way benefits: students are afforded some flexibility and creativity in completion of required course assignments, and the food bank gains additional workers to help accomplish their strategic goals. It is a community health clinical resource that is accessible to schools of nursing in every community.