UH West Oʻahu pre-nursing students learn about community-based health services

UH Hilo nursing students present their community-based health research to UH West Oʻahu pre-nursing students.

UH Hilo nursing students present their community-based health research to UH West Oʻahu pre-nursing students.

On April 7, UH West Oʻahu pre-nursing students learned about enhancing the health and well being of an area through community-based services from UH Hilo School of Nursing students completing senior practicum projects as part of their Community Health and Wellness Collaborative leadership course. UH West Oʻahu pre-nursing students learned first-hand about the expectations of students pursuing nursing degrees at UH Hilo by listening to the UH Hilo students present their community-based field work.

“This opportunity gave our UH West Oʻahu pre-nursing students a different perspective of nursing,” said UH West Oʻahu ʻIke Mauli Ola Pre-Nursing Pathway Student Development Haumana and course facilitator Lehuanani Akau. “Our care and kuleana for our patients and community goes beyond the walls of a hospital or clinic setting. Offering health education and making a difference in our own communities increases health equity and quality of life for our people.”

UH West Oʻahu staff, faculty, and students welcome UH Hilo School of Nursing students and faculty with ʻoli.

UH West Oʻahu staff, faculty, and students welcome UH Hilo School of Nursing students and faculty with ʻoli.

The UH Hilo students presented to UH West Oʻahu pre-nursing students about their community-based field research on cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, mentoring high school students, and aiding homeless families in the West Oʻahu community. The soon-to-be registered nurses are completing a 16-week course including field training and interaction with West Oʻahu residents.

The event was coordinated by UH West Oʻahu ʻIke Mauli Ola Pre-Nursing Pathway Student Development Haumana and course facilitator Lehuanani Akau, Director of Indigenous Studies Manulani Meyer, Nursing Advisor Puʻu Zublan, Pueo Scholars Academic Advisor, Adam Nahulu, Enrollment Services Assistant, Hoku Talo, the UH West Oʻahu PIKO Project, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Waianae Health Academy, and American Heart Association.

Images courtesy of UHWO Communications Department and Chelsea Lugo