Innovative Use of Service-Learning to Enhance Baccalaureate Nursing Education

Background: Service-learning is an established pedagogical approach to nursing education found primarily in community nursing. With changing health care landscapes, the expansion of service-learning projects throughout the nursing program provides opportunities to enrich assessment and critical thinking and amplify exposure to determinants of health. Method: Implementing service-learning in foundational nursing courses allows students to be challenged with the application of complex care management within a context of caring, cultural competence, social responsibility, and self-care initiatives. Results: Integrating service-learning throughout the nursing curriculum has the potential to make positive, sustainable changes within a community, while simultaneously preparing students to view clients holistically, think critically, and develop cultural competence. Conclusion: Enhancing nursing curriculum by integrating service-learning opportunities can strengthen the learning experience and foster concepts of caring, social responsibility, cultural competence, and self-care. Working with community leaders from diverse groups can lead to sustainable projects that simultaneously benefit the community and nursing education.