Impact of engagement in the Community Champions program on clinical nursing practice

Abstract

Student organizations focused on community engagement are a way to prepare nursing students to meet the needs of diverse populations in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact that the Community Champions program, an example of a community engagement organization, has on clinical practice amongst alumnae who have participated in the program. A survey was distributed via email to alumnae of Community Champions who have graduated in the past 4 years. Respondents indicated that they were able to translate skills learned in the Community Champions program, such as community awareness, patient interaction, and teamwork, and were able to identify examples of how skills were used in practice. Those who do not currently participate in community engagement cited lack of time and knowledge of community opportunities as limitations for volunteering. These data support that student community engagement provides skills relevant to professional nursing practice and has implications for strategies to promote community engagement among nurses.