Running head: SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT1

Student Service Learning Project

Christian Merz

Ferris State University

NURS 320

BSN SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT 2

Abstract

Ferris State University requires all students of Bachelor of Science in nursing program to

complete a service learning project prior to graduation. This project will give me an opportunity

to engage with community members, gain experience, and expand my knowledge and skills

through community service with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Health clinic.

This paper will explain my plan on completing the service project and what I expect to gain from

this experience.

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Student Service Learning Project

Introduction

Ferris State University (FSU) the academics service learning web page states:

The purpose of academic service-learning is to enhance traditional classroom study by

supplementing it with community service that is relevant to the subject material and

meaningful to the community. Service-learning also has a civic learning element, offering

students the knowledge, skills, and values they will need for well-rounded civic

engagement”. (n.d., para 1)

Tradition teaching methods are effective although the service learning project will allow

me to expand my learning outside of the classroom. This project will give me an opportunity to

engage with community members, gain experience, and expand my knowledge through

community service. This experience will broaden my horizons and explore different careers

within the health care field. I will be able to make a difference within the community.

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Health Clinic

I have chosen to complete my service learning project at the Little River Band of Ottawa

Indians (LRBOI) Tribal Health Clinic. The LRBOI Tribal Health clinic is located in Manistee,

Michigan. Since 1994, the United States of America federally recognized and restored the Indian

tribe’s status. There are approximately four thousands eighty eight citizens. The Tribal Health

Clinic offers array of services to Tribal members, descendents, and to members of any federally

recognized tribe. The Tribal Health clinic staff includes two family physicians, a registered

nurse, and office support staff. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The

Tribal Health clinic goal states the following:

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In the spirit and memory of all our relations who walked before us; we the Little River

Band of Ottawa Indians, Health Services are dedicated toward a healthy community. A

community in which all of its members enjoy and benefit from the gifts of medicine

provided by the Creator. To help us be better human beings. MenoMushkeke “Good

Medicine” that incorporates the integration of Western Medicine with Traditional Indian

Medicine. It is the mission of Health Services to further advance the Little River Band of

Ottawa Indians community to: an improved quality of life, an improved health status and

increased life expectancy. (2013, para 1)

The Tribal Health clinic also provides a Community Health Representative Program. This

service includes home visits to assess and screen for health care needs such as random blood

sugar testing, blood pressure checks, and providing health education information on healthy

living. The staff also transports tribal members without means of transportation to health related

appointments. According to the LRBOI Community Health program goal states the following:

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Community Health Representative Program was

implemented to improve the health knowledge, attitudes and practices of our tribal

members and community. This is done by promoting, supporting, and assisting the

Health Clinic in delivering a total health care program. Therefore, we are meeting the

most basic needs of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal members. (2013, para

2)

These are two different programs that assist in providing tools to tribal members so they can live

a healthy lifestyle.

Volunteer role and activities

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There are many reasons why people volunteer their time to help others. Volunteering is

giving back to the community or to people who are less fortunate. Whether I am volunteering as

a student or my personal time, I feel that volunteer work is positive karma. There is a statement

once said “what goes around comes around.” Volunteering is a selfless act and gives people who

are desperate a sense of hope. During this meaningful service learning project I will be able to

educate and provide services to people who are suffering with illnesses or unhealthy lifestyles.

Tribal Health Clinic

As a volunteer at the LRBOI tribal clinic I will be under the direct supervision of the

Tribal Health Clinic director Robin Carufel. I will perform selected nursing and administrative

duties that will include blood pressures, blood sugars, obtaining information from patients,

educating patients, and assisting physicians as part of the clinical care team. I expect to gain

experience in common office procedures, communication skills, dealing with different

personalities, culture base care, and leadership skills.

Tribal Community Health Representative

During the time I volunteer with the Tribal community health representative (CHR) I will

be shadowing and assisting a CHR worker. During home visits, we will be assessing and

screening for health care needs. I will be observing the clients physical, social, spiritual and

cultural needs.

Health Administrative Roles

Robin Carufel is the director of the Tribal Health Clinic. He works closely with clinic

staff and supervisors to coordinate operations and clinical programs. As of April 2012, the Tribal

Government is underway of building a new Tribal Government Center. This government center

will house the majority of government departments and provide array of services to members.

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Robin is currently working on developing and expanding services that are offered from the

Tribal Health Clinic. He is gathering and reviewing data that will support new services. I will be

working with the director of the program and observing his clinical skills through some of this

process. We will be reviewing tribal health statistics and comparing current procedural

terminology codes. Supervisors need to have strong organization skills, be flexible to change,

and be able to work independently and as a member of the team. From this experience I hope to

gain a better understanding in management and leadership skills.

During my volunteer role I will remain prompt and proficient at all times. I will ask

appropriate questions when clarification is need. I will be making a positive impact on the

community during this service learning project. While keeping confidence in my nursing skills, I

will be able to see a different approach to traditional medicine. I will remain open minded and

exhibit a high degree of courtesy when interacting with patients, families, and other healthcare

professionals.

Achievement of Program Objectives

I will complete a minimum of 20 hours of service within the LRBOI. These hours will be

arranged between the organization and myself. The hours completed will be logged in to the

service log form and I will be responsible in obtaining a signature of verification. During this

experience I will achieve the RN-BSN program required objectives. At all times I will maintain

confidentiality, as I will be in contact with patient’s health care information. Someday I may

want to work for the LRBOI as Tribal Health Clinic nurse or a Tribal Health director and this

will give me an opportunity to explore the career field.

Evaluation Plan

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Throughout my service learning project I will be evaluating my learning from the

experience I obtained. Did I affect the community in a positive way? During this time it will be

important to self-reflect on myself and if I was effective in these rolls. I will reflect on how I

react to different situations or circumstances. This will allow me to gain insight to see if these

potential careers are right for me. Working in a tribal health clinic office, or being a director of a

tribal health clinic, requires different job skills from the current job I have now. If I should have

any questions or doubt about my explications or roles as a student I will contact my site

supervisor or FSU instructor for directions.

Contact Information

Organization: Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Tribal Health Clinic

Location: 310 Ninth Street, Manistee, MI 49660

Contact Person: Robin Carufel, Director

Contact Phone: (231)308-6619

Contact E-mail:rcarufel@lrboi.com

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References

Ferris State University.(n.d). Purpose of academic service learning. Retrieved from

http://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/administration/academicaffairs/adp/servicelearn/

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. (2012) Tribal Health clinic. Retrieved from:

https://www.lrboi-nsn.gov/index.php/membership-services/health-services

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, (2013) Community Health Representative Program.

Retrieved from: https://www.lrboi-nsn.gov/index.php/community-health-representative-

program

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