Transformative learning in nursing students through a service learning project with a vulnerable community

Abstract

Transformative learning is the phrase used by the authors to describe nursing students’ learning that occurred during a service learning project.  Nursing faculty and nursing students visited a population of impoverished children in an after school program and provided education regarding health promotion and injury prevention. Students designed teaching plans regarding topics identified in a needs assessment: (1) injury prevention related to safety, (2) nutrition, (3) physical fitness, (4) health, and (5) bullying. A qualitative analysis of student journals was completed. The students viewed themselves as change agents, and reflected on their stereotypes, and prejudices regarding children living in poverty, and caring for this population.