Nursing students lead health and safety fair

11/13/2014 2:02 PM

By Danielle Fitch ‘15

Bradley nursing students spent a day at St. Mark’s Elementary teaching basic health and safety tips to youth. Junior and senior nursing students were required to draw upon all of the skills that they have learned so far to create presentations and coordinate a Health and Safety Fair for 135 children in grades pre-K through fourth. 

Nursing students researched and presented materials on a variety of issues, some inspired by recent local events. Children were invited to explore various topics from tornado safety to effective hand washing techniques and titles ranging from “We Like to Move It” exploring physical activity to “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” seeking to educate kids on social awareness. Each station engaged young students with music, games, and other activities for an afternoon of learning fun.

For each topic, Bradley juniors submitted written proposals and researched the psychosocial, cognitive and motor development for children aged 4 to 10 in to tailor their presentations to meet the specific needs of the audience. Activities were changed or modified to suit the needs of specific age groups within the elementary school. Senior students handled logistics, communicated with St. Mark’s School officials and provided input on the ability of individual projects to meet required objectives.

“The St. Mark’s students benefit by receiving important health and safety information that is relative, researched and delivered by nursing students currently immersed in children’s health theory and practicum courses in a fun, hands-on manner,” said professor Amanda Lambie.

Presenting students were also encouraged to reach out to community experts. As a result, community members including a police officer, a firefighter, and several service dogs and their handlers from Bradley’s campus were on hand to answer questions and help with activities specific to their field. Professor Ted Fleming donated petri dishes so that elementary students could watch their germs grow over time. Pumpkins were also donated for each St. Mark’s student who visited the “Safe Pumpkin Decoration” station.

Students were encouraged to talk about the fair at home. Each grade school student received a family information letter to start conversations about health and safety at home promoting family centered care.