Running head: SERVICE LEARNING

Service Learning
Andrea R. VanPortfliet
Ferris State University

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Abstract
The purpose of this proposal is to describe an opportunity the student had to gain experience and
insight into the field of nursing. This proposal will explain the type of facility the student
attended and what opportunities they experienced. Included will be an explanation of how this
helped the community, what kind of responsibilities the student held, and what was learned
through this experience.

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Service Learning
A service learning project is one that allows the student to gain useful skills and
experience while aiding the community at the same time. This allows for student growth while
working towards the common good of the community. The student should expect to gain
knowledge in areas such as, professionalism, academic advancement, character skills, and many
more (Bandy). This is an excellent opportunity for the student to give back to the community.
Agency Description
The agency I decided to do my service learning project with is the American Red Cross.
The purpose of American Red Cross is to provide compassionate care to those in need (American
Red Cross). They attempt to prevent and relieve suffering in many different ways by providing
lifesaving blood, health tips and practices, support to military families, and international help.
See Appendix A for contact information.
Volunteer Role Description
My role for this volunteer project will be learning how to set up the blood drives,
schedule appointments, provide patient teaching before, during, and after the drive, and help
clean up after the drives. I would also provide any follow up care needed and help schedule
future drives.
Objectives as Related to Program
I hope to gain a lot of experience from this project related to patient care, patient
teaching, and how to organize an event such as this. I want to improve on my patient
communication and communication with other health care professionals and see the overall
picture of patient health. Being able to have one on one time with the patient will help develop
my communication skills and enhance my level of patient education. I will be able to advocate
for my patients and those that are in need of the blood we will be receiving. I will be able to
increase my level of professionalism while working towards the greater good of the community.
Activities to Meet Objectives
In order to meet my objectives, I will be helping organization I will be organizing and
promoting the blood drive. I will need to advertise the event and encourage people to come and

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help achieve our goal of providing blood to those in need. I will be setting up appointments for
those interested in attending, which will require collaboration with the other health care
professionals organizing the event to ensure a smooth outcome. I will also be talking with the
patients to explain what to expect before, during, and after they give blood. I want to create a
very relaxed environment for everyone so they are anxiety free and more likely to continue
donating. This will include talking with the patients, and also their health care providers if
needed to create a safe experience for them. I will also be helping them after they have donated
to ensure they are safe and receiving the best care possible. I am not only representing myself,
but also my school and its nursing program so I am required to provide safe and effective care
while making the patient feel welcome and comfortable.
Evaluation Plan
To keep track of my learning and experiences I will be keeping a journal. In my journal
entries I will include what I have experienced and how it will help me throughout my schooling.
It will include any useful lessons I have learned, what I did very well, and what I could have
done differently and why. I will discuss the patient teaching I provided and how they reacted to it
and what I could include next time. I will discuss how I have learned about the bigger picture of
nursing and patient care, how communication with the patients and other healthcare
professionals enhanced my experience, and how I was able to achieve and increase my
professionalism throughout my experience. I will keep track of my hours volunteered and what
activities I participated in those days. Overall, this will include my entire experience with
American Red Cross and with my patients.

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Appendix A
American Red Cross
Zea Gilette
425 Hubbard St. Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-8640

References
Bandy, Joe. "What is Service Learning or Community Engagement?." N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr.
2015. Path: http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/teaching-through-communityengagement/.
Mission, Vision, and Fundamental Principals (n.d.). In American Red Cross. Retrieved April 19,
2015, from http://www.redcross.org/about-us/mission

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