Enhancing understanding of poverty through simulation

12^th Nursing and Healthcare Congress

October 03-05, 2016 Vancouver, Canada

Sandra Kundrik Leh

Cedar Crest College, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Teaching complex concepts such as poverty can be a daunting and challenging task for nurse educators. However, it is imperative that nursing students understand the health care challenges that face vulnerable populations. Textbook readings alone may not capture the depth of the issues and struggles faced by those living in poverty. Low fidelity simulation experiences, in addition to traditional teaching strategies, have shown to be effective in giving students the opportunity to gain a new level of empathy for families who struggle with few resources. Participants are compelled to examine their own attitudes, biases, and beliefs about poverty during the simulation session. By increasing students� understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by low income families on a daily basis, they will be better positioned to provide more meaningful and effective health care. By enabling students to examine poverty from various perspectives, they can then recognize and discuss the potential for change in their local communities. This session presents an overview of an interdisciplinary-based low fidelity poverty simulation used in an undergraduate community health nursing course. The planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of the simulation experience are discussed.

Biography :

Sandra Kundrik Leh earned her MSN in Community Health Nursing from West Chester University and a PhD in Nursing from Widener University. She is an Associate Professor at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. She is a Certified Nurse Educator and member of several professional organizations. She has published and presented in the US and abroad on a variety of topics related to nursing education, global health and community health nursing.

Email: skleh@cedarcrest.edu