Sacramento State’s Nursing Division is extending a hand to the community.

As a part of their graduation requirement, 63 nursing majors seniors have been assigned different student projects that demand applying learning skills and knowledge to real life experiences.

The department has selected 12 projects and distributed them to the students. Through the course of the program, the groups of four to six students work to complete the requirements outlined in the proposals.

Past projects have been developed in conjunction with the school nurse, public health agencies and other organizations that provide health services to some groups in the community.

“Students develop health curriculum and educational resources to demonstrate the health needs of a specific aggregate in the community,” said Robyn Nelson, chairwoman and professor in the Division of Nursing.

Before the beginning of each academic year, the Office of Public Affairs sends out requests for project proposals to several agencies. Projects usually start in September and end in May. Completion dates are set to coincide with graduation from the nursing program. Some nursing students said the program is an enriching experience that they are looking forward to.

“What I am hoping to learn from this project is how to apply my nursing skills within the community in an effort to improve it,” said senior nursing major Sara Brooks. “The capabilities of nursing go much further.- All communities can benefit from the endeavors of nurses.”

The programs are intended to provide students with the tools to complete their education and prepare them for the workplace.

“I would like to-know how-to work with a group of peers to make our project successful and to develop leadership skills since each nursing project requires a lot of independent work,” said senior nursing major Shirleen Pratap.-

At the end of the program the project’s effectiveness is evaluated through a presentation of the assignments by the students to classmates, faculty and community agency members.

Students feel there is a satisfaction that comes with helping the community, while at the same time getting an education.

“I believe that there is great benefit for the teens that we work with, we can act as positive role models for them as students and professionals,” said senior nursing major Kirsten Munk.