ANA-Maine Journal publishes nursing student’s paper about service project

The current issue of the ANA-Maine Journal includes University of Maine nursing student Lauren Martin’s paper about a service learning experience. Martin and three classmates in a Community Population and Healthcare course raised more than $2,500 and collected more than 500 pairs of pajamas, underwear and socks for infant and youth patients at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. While Martin was taking part in a pediatric clinical rotation at the hospital, she overheard a nurse apologize to the parents of a young patient for not having clothing in her size. Martin says the nursing students’ interest in improving hospital resources and patient experience sparked their commitment to serve vulnerable youth. And there are many vulnerable youth in Maine. According to the 2017 Census Bureau American Community Survey, 26,800 children younger than 18 in the state (about 10% of total) fell below the United States poverty threshold — which was $25,094 for a family of four. “Involvement in community services beyond occupational duties fosters personal fulfillment and supports underserved populations,” she wrote.