Hello everyone!! I am a first year RN, and I love the aspect of patient education, and was wondering what are some community projects that you do in order to keep your community educated on health issues that affect their families and communities. So far I have started writting a health piece in my church newsletter, but am looking for more ways to get involved in educating my community. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,

I'm an advanced practice RN specializing in holistic health. I teach programs in the local libraries and outreach programs at the local hospital. I'm also a nursing educator at the local 4 year college. So, I'm always encouraging students to get involved with their community with projects. I also formed a holistic networking organization, which includes other practitioners in other practices. We get together and are forming a speakers' bureau and will be doing panel discussions, educating communities. We also are doing internet radio programs. I still would like to offer more programs to the local hospitals. I am doing inservice education programs to the nurses, and medical staff. When working at the local nursing home as the inservice educator I did some relaxation programs for staff, and encouraged staff to utilize the guided imagery, progressive relaxation to the longterm residents on the units. More needs to be done here, as well. I believe top management in all areas need to understand the benefits, and results.

Dorothy

Good for you that you have a passion for health education! One thing I would suggest is to volunteer with your local Red Cross chapter. I've been a CPR and First Aid instructor for about 10 years and I still enjoy teaching it. I also teach their Babysitter Training program, which is alot of fun also if you like working with youth.