Service Learning Plan for NURS 324. Marianne D. Lannen. Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan

Running head : Service Learning Plan Service Learning Plan for NURS 324 Marianne D. Lannen Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan 2 Service ...
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Running head : Service Learning Plan

Service Learning Plan for NURS 324 Marianne D. Lannen Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan

2 Service Learning Plan Abstract At the beginning of the Ferris State University RN to BSN on-line degree program, students are required to identify what their plan is for completing 20 hours of volunteer community service that is to be performed by the end of the program. Upon completion of the community service students are required to submit a written report about the experience. The following paper will detail the volunteer experience that I have planned to complete at Hospice of Little Traverse Bay (HOLTB) and what experience I hope to gain by volunteering.

3 Service Learning Plan Service Learning Plan At the beginning of the Ferris State University RN to BSN on-line degree program, students are required to identify what their plan is for completing 20 hours of volunteer community service that is to be performed by the end of the program. Upon completion of the community service students are required to submit a written report and presentation about the experience which identifies what significant personal and professional insights have been gained due to this service learning activity. The type of care I have chosen to learn more about by volunteering is hospice. Hospice is a program of care that provides comfort and support services to people who are terminally ill. Agency I plan on volunteering for Hospice of Little Traverse Bay. The organization provides end of life and palliative care for residents of Charlevoix, Emmet, Antrim and Otsego counties. (www. hospiceltb.org). The services that HOLTB provides include the following: professional medical services of physicians, nurses, social workers, home health aides and other therapists as needed, volunteers, spiritual care providers, and bereavement counselors. The care that is provided to patients is based on the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s philosophy that includes recognizing dying as part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of remaining life. Hospice exists in the hope and belief that through appropriate care and the promotion of a caring community sensitive to their needs, patients and their families may be free to attain a degree of mental and spiritual preparation for death that is satisfactory to them. (Arnold, 2004, p.30) Volunteer Role

4 Service Learning Plan Because I recently became employed by HOLTB, the role that I will be performing will be related to volunteering to help in the fund raising/marketing department. I will perform tasks that will involve patient centered activities as well as community involvement in order to help promote HOLTB. Because I am employed by HOLTB as a Field Nurse, I have experience with and understanding of what the nursing role is for hospice. The role that I expect to perform during this experience is one that gives me a better understanding of what other departments do within our organization, specifically marketing and promotion. Objectives and Activities The goal of volunteering within the organization that I work for is to enhance my understanding and experience with other departments within our organization. “Hospice care is provided by a specially trained team that cares for the whole person, including his or her physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. “ (Hospice of Little Traverse Bay Patient and Caregiver Guide, 2011). The marketing and fundraising activities are critical to our organization because their efforts directly support the additional needs and goals patients may have that are related to helping patients live out the time they have remaining to the fullest extent possible. By raising money and awareness of our organization, HOLTB is able offer additional assistance to families with financial hardships, coordinate specific plans of care that can include family reunions and assist with specific goals and last wishes of patients. Specifically, I will be writing patient centered stories for the bi-yearly newsletter. As I encounter or hear about unique patient stories or experiences with hospice, I will obtain a letter of authorization and release of liability from the patient or family to write an article about them. I will also participate with fundraising events that are designed to solicit donations and promote HOLTB services to the community. Learning Experience

5 Service Learning Plan I believe this experience is vital to solidify and strengthen my personal philosophy that a holistic approach to care is the foundation of excellence in medical treatment. By volunteering for additional roles within the organization that I work for, I am participating in the activities that all contribute to the team approach for care and can participate in roles that are separate from my nursing position. From the experience of writing about patients, I will have the opportunity to present patients and their stories in a way that enhances my focus on “the whole person” and not just nursing needs. By helping to promote HOLTB to the community, I am accomplishing my role as a nurse to promote healthcare services and patient education to a community. Evaluation An evaluation regarding the articles that I write will be based on content and ability of my marketing department to use the material I present. My goal is to present patient centered stories that highlight the life of the patient and how hospice was able to assist the patient in “living” life to their last day. My involvement with fundraising will be evaluated based on my ability to execute any assignments and ability to help raise donations either by my direct activities or by the event that I will be participating in. The additional evaluation I will have for myself is how well I incorporate the additional experiences of teamwork, community involvement and patient perspectives into my everyday nursing practices. Conclusion I knew when I entered into the nursing program that I wanted to either work for or volunteer at a hospice organization. I am fortunate to have been hired into the exact position that I wanted. The community service assignment I have outlined provides the perfect opportunity for me to expand my involvement within the organization in which I am employed and to actually part take in experiences that help me promote the hospice experience. Additionally, I

6 Service Learning Plan will be able to participate in roles that extend beyond nursing care and work with other team members and gain insight regarding how they contribute to our organization. My personal nursing philosophy is based on utilizing a holistic approach regarding caring for patients. This experience will help me gain a more holistic understanding of my organization.

Contact Information Hospice of Little Traverse Bay One Highland Dr. , Petoskey, MI, 49770 Maurika Reed, Development Coordinator. 231-487-4805

7 Service Learning Plan References Arnold, B., 2004. Hospice philosophy: independent study module. The Hospice Institute of Florida Suncoast, Petoskey, MI. Hospice of Little Traverse Bay. Patient and caregiver guide [Brochure]. Petoskey, Michigan. Hospice of Michigan (2006). About Hospice of Little Traverse Bay. Retrieved March 21, 2011, from Hospice of Little Traverse Bay Web site: http://www.hospiceltb.org.