| Learning Objective #1: Propose an innovative method for use by nursing students and nurses to facilitate preschool health education and health promotion | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe the process of utilizing local community partnerships to write, illustrate, and publish a health education book for children |
The Department of Nursing at Pittsburg State University is located in a four-state region that is medically underserved and has experienced a recent surge in its Hispanic population. Local health care providers have identified promotion of health-seeking behaviors as a needed health promotion/disease prevention strategy. The goals of the Gus the Gorilla Clinic project were to 1) reduce fear of health screenings and provide health education among preschool children, 2) provide a health promotion learning experience for nursing students, and 3) interest a diverse preschool population in a career in nursing. Nursing faculty formed a partnership with a community trust and the university to write, illustrate, and publish a book for preschoolers, using the popular university mascot, "Gus the Gorilla," as the central character who received a preschool examination. While Gus the Gorilla Clinics have been held for several years, nursing faculty have only recently introduced the use of the book. Further collaboration with area preschools and day-care facilities provided sites for the Gus the Gorilla Clinics. Children brought their favorite stuffed animal from home. The preschoolers were educated about hand washing, dental care, and other health topics. The book introduced the preschool physical examination, then the children rotated to stations where they used equipment such as stethoscopes, otoscopes, sphygmomanometers, and syringes to examine and treat their own favorite stuffed animal. The preschoolers left with a Gus the Gorilla health certificate, a copy of the book, and a survey to be completed by parents. Parental surveys are being collected and analyzed. Evaluation has revealed that preschoolers and nursing students enjoy the experience and that the format promotes participation among children for whom English is a second language. Area nurses from community outreach programs are now using these concepts in their communities with children of various ages.
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