As part of the DeSales Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2nd degree program, DeSales nursing students led six workshops at the Allentown Rescue Mission. The students helped the men in the Transformation Program understand their health needs and gained a better understanding of the homeless community. The nursing students will graduate in August 2021. The work completed at the Allentown Rescue Mission was a requirement of their Community and Public Health Nursing class.
The students started the sessions by asking fun, ice breaker questions to get to know the men and learn what the men felt was essential to their overall health and well-being. During the final two classes, the students made presentations to teach the men how to manage the conditions previously identified.
The Allentown Rescue Mission clients reported high-stress levels from COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed on them due to the pandemic. Using this information, the nursing students split into two groups to make their final presentations. One group presented art and music therapy to reduce stress, and the other group taught the therapeutic effects of physical activity and meditation.
The students used interactive activities to educate the men and to have fun. The men listened to different types of music, participated in adult coloring, exercised, and learned breathing techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. Kyle H., a client enrolled in the Transformation Program, stated, “I think the art class was good. It really helped me focus and relax.”
The sessions also introduced the nursing students to the homeless population. When asked about the experience, all the students agreed that their opinion of the homeless had changed. They mentioned that the Allentown Rescue Mission clients were very welcoming and happy to see them. Additionally, the men acted like a family and seemed to look out for each other.
The Allentown Rescue Mission would like to thank the DeSales Accelerated Nursing, 2nd degree program for educating and supporting its men. And to congratulate the Accelerated Program for its NCLEX pass rate of 100% in 2020. All students who took the Registered Nurse exam after completing the program passed!
