Service-learning in nursing: Integrating student learning and community-based service experience through reflective practice
Loading...
Date
2005
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Johannesburg
Abstract
Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in South Africa. The School of Nursing at the University of the Western
Cape has responded to the challenge of training sensitive, knowledgeable and skilled health personnel by developing
a Management of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) module. The purpose of this paper is to describe the professional
and personal development of nursing students in this programme through their service-learning experience in
the GBV module based on the analysis of the description of the students’ reflective journals, group project reports
and a focus-group discussion as the primary data sources. Analysis showed that students gained critical thinking
skills and developed an understanding of the supportive role health professionals can play through developing skills
of caring, advocacy and a commitment to civic engagement, which promotes collaborative relationships. Some of
the lessons learnt from this experience include realistic planning in terms of outcomes, time frames, and available
resources as well ensuring support from colleagues for the effective implementation of the programme.
Description
Keywords
Gender-based violence, Community service, Service-learning, Civic engagement, Reflective practice, Nursing education and training
Citation
Julie, H., Daniels, P., and Adonis, T. (2005) Service-learning in nursing: Integrating student learning and community-based service experience through reflective practice. Health SA Gesondheid, 10 (4): 41-54