Mar 31, 2023
Vancouver, BC – Langara College nursing students have been visiting YMCA locations around Vancouver as part of a community outreach initiative. The visit saw students from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program using fun and interactive strategies to teach hand hygiene to approximately 400 pre-school and school-aged children. They followed up with sessions for YMCA staff on food safety and treating allergic reactions.
“The relationship between the Langara School of Nursing and YMCA BC embodies the spirit of collaboration and allows both organizations to deliver on our shared commitment to health promotion,” said Ivy Goula, a nurse-educator in the Langara College BSN program.
Working with children is particularly important for those students who want to pursue careers in maternity or pediatric nursing.
“Opportunities like this help build our confidence and consolidate the skills we learn in class,” said Maia Lindo, a Term 7 nursing student working towards her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. “It’s important for children to learn about hand hygiene early on, especially given the context of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. It’s rewarding to know we are enhancing the health knowledge of the children by teaching them important lessons in a way that is fun.”
The nursing students presented to the YMCA staff about recognizing anaphylaxis symptoms, common food allergens, prevention of cross-contamination, and what to do in the event of anaphylactic shock.
“Working in the community allows us to see how social determinants of health, such as poverty, housing, and access to healthcare, can impact a patient's health outcomes,” added Langara nursing student Charlene Apelado. “We learn how to navigate these challenges and work collaboratively with community organizations to provide comprehensive and holistic care to patients.”
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed to educate nurses to work with individuals, families, and communities from a caring and health-promotion perspective. The program includes nine consecutive semesters. Students in the seventh term are exploring nursing skills within the context of public health and community care. They learn how to complete a community assessment and how to promote health in marginalized communities with a goal to protecting the health of all.
About snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College provides university-level education to more than 19,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as snəw̓eyəɬ leləm, 'house of teachings', a name given to it by Musqueam, on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located.
Learn more.
Mark Dawson
Manager, Public Affairs
Langara College
mdawson@langara.ca
PHOTO: Charlene Apelado (L) and Maia Lindo (R), Term 7 nursing students participated in teaching children and staff at YMCA locations about hand hygiene and food safety.
