Service Learning Project AuSable Free Clinic Marisa L. Gariglio Ferris State University NURS 450 “People of the Community…Caring for those in their Community”

Service Learning “Service Learning is a form of practical experience that enhances learning in all areas of a nursing program, and the experience of service learning reinforces the moral and civic values inherent in serving others” (Ferris State University, 2013) Volunteer: to give (something) or offer to do something without being forced or paid to do it (Merriam-Webster, 2014) Occurs in the community outside of the classroom and work environments

AuSable Free Clinic, Grayling Vision That the uninsured will receive primary health care. (AuSable Free Clinic, 2013) Mission A non-profit organization that provides access to outpatient health care by professional and other volunteer staff to individuals who have no medical insurance and cannot afford private medical care.

The AuSable Free Clinic and Board of Directors were created in 2005 History The AuSable Free Clinic and Board of Directors were created in 2005 AuSable Free Clinic provides: Limited chronic and urgent medical treatment Open clinic Thursday evenings, appointments Tuesdays Community resource referrals, financial screening Limited lab, radiology, and pharmacy services at no cost Eligibility: Income less than 150% of poverty level an NO insurance Assist patients in qualifying for discounted long-term medications (AuSable Free Clinic, 2013)

My Role Meet and work with others who have the same vision of “giving back” Triage patients Provide education and reassurance Keep the patient updated regarding their personal care plan, upcoming appointments, and services Coordinate prescriptions, lab, and radiology services Discharge patients Work with other disciplines and physicians to meet the needs of the patient

Reflection Initial Thoughts Assumptions New Thinking Boring Didn’t know what to expect Was not aware of services offered Patients were homeless Assumptions Performing menial tasks I would not be challenged I would “do my time” and be done New Thinking Patients were the “working poor”, had no family support, or unemployed Spent time providing true nursing care Most grateful patients

Personal Reflection It was challenging. At times we had to be creative in education and meeting the needs of the patient. I was able to meet and work with other nurses that care and want to “give back” The patients that I cared for were the most grateful and appreciative I have ever been around. I really felt that I was making a difference. It brought the true meaning of nursing into view. I left feeling rewarded and energized. I plan on continuing to volunteer at the clinic as an RN. Once I become a Nurse Practitioner, I hope to volunteer in the role of a provider.

BSN Outcomes (FSU, 2011) Generalist Nursing Practice Organize the interdisciplinary health care needs of diverse populations across the lifespan toward achieving the goal of healthy individuals, families, groups, and communities. Health Care Environment Advocate for improving health care across the continuum of health care environments. Professionalism Demonstrate a level of professionalism that is congruent with the inherent values, ethics, and behaviors of the discipline of nursing.

Meeting Outcomes Generalist Nursing Practice Health Care Environment Provided education on disease processes and encouraged preventative medicine and health promotion Coordinated needed lab tests and x-rays Health Care Environment Offered gas vouchers to help with compliance of appointments Had a social worker available for patients to sign up for the Affordable Care Act or other available resources Professionalism Behave as a leader in the nursing profession Provide holistic care Utilize therapeutic communication and technique Unbiased treatment and care of a diverse population

“People of the Community…Caring for those in their Community” Recommendations “People of the Community…Caring for those in their Community” Besides the Director and his assistant, everyone at the AuSable Free Clinic are volunteers including Dr’s, PA’s, NP’s, RN’s, LPN’s, and support staff Staff advocate for the patient and try to meet as many of their needs as possible with limited resources Staff very welcoming, friendly, and helpful Both staff and patients were the most appreciative and grateful that I have ever been around I felt inspired and energized to help others and “give back” I highly recommend the AuSable Free Clinic to other nurses in order to gain insight and experience.

References AuSable Free Clinic. (2013). Brochure. Retrieved from: http://www.mercyhealthgrayling.com/ausable-free-clinic Ferris State University [FSU]. (2011). BSN outcomes. Retrieved from: http://www.ferris.edu/colleges/alliedhe/Nursing/BSN-program-outcomes.htm Ferris State University [FSU]. (2013). RN to BSN completion program: frequently asked questions. Retrieved from: http://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/colleges/alliedhe/Nursing/RN-to-BSN/home-rn-to-bsn.htm Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2014). Retrieved from: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volunteer