Cultural Dynamics and Tensions within Service-Learning in a Community Health Nursing Course

Community health nursing is "population based nursing practice in a variety of community settings including schools, worksites, shelters, health departments" (Hutchinson, 2004, p. 317), and other venues. The objectives of the community health course being described in this paper specifically require nursing students to participate in service to the community while applying course objectives to their learning. From nursing's earliest inception there has been a focus on reaching out to work with the poor and disadvantaged in their communities. Important elements of baccalaureate nursing (BSN) curricula include assisting student nurses to assess, plan, and implement community based nursing care. Reaching out to community agencies to participate in service-learning has provided an excellent resource that benefits the individual, family, community, and the student.