SERVICE LEARNING

PROJECT
Patricia Beemer
Ferris State University
NURS450
Introduction
O The purpose of this service learning
project was to work with an
interdisciplinary team to develop of a
weekly wound round program.
O The goal for a weekly wound round
program was to assist in the prevention
and reduction of pressure ulcers within
this organization.

Agency Description
O Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is a
not-for-profit nationally accredited acute-
care rehabilitation hospital.
O Mission: Restoring hope and freedom
through rehabilitation.
O Vision: To be a national leader in high
value rehabilitation and post-acute care,
and to develop an integrated system of
care throughout Michigan.

Maryfreebed.com
Volunteer Role Description
O Develop and implement weekly wound
round plan for any patient with an area of
skin concern.
O Develop education plan for staff regarding
admission skin assessment and proper
documentation.
O Present education at staff meetings for all
nursing staff.


Reflection
O Initially when I volunteered for this project,
I thought it would be basic development
and implementation of a weekly wound
round plan.
O However, areas of improvement were
brought to surface and previous systems
and policies were reviewed adding
additional responsibilities.

O Many important pieces of education were
put together.
O Policies were reviewed and updated.
O Thorough documentation reviewed and
staff education was provided.
O A set of standing orders for high risk
patients was developed by physicians and
put in to place.
O A CEU in-service for wound care was
provided for all staff, resulting in over 30
staff members attending.
O A higher awareness was brought to
physicians regarding the Braden scale and
treatment for a high risk patient.


O A request was made to the Chief Medical
Officer for a designated Wound Certified
Nurse to oversee all wounds, prevention
of wounds, and education to staff.
O Chief Medical Officer approved position.


Synthesis
O Throughout this process, I had an opportunity
to work with the interdisciplinary team
including nursing staff, physicians, dieticians,
management and administration.
O This offered a great experience attending
meetings and presenting a plan I had
developed.
O I had to prepare myself to answer questions
from not only a clinical stand point, but also
from a financial outlook.
O The opportunity arose for me to be able to
develop a PowerPoint presentation specific to
this hospitals needs and speak at all nursing
staff meetings for the month.
Recommendations
O I would recommend for any BSN student
to become involved in the development
and implementation of a plan for a facility
or organization.
O While researching information for this plan
and education, I paid closer attention to
detail than when researching for my own
purpose. I wanted to make sure I
provided thorough and accurate
information because staff would be relying
on the information I presented as a
reference.
O This opportunity provided a plethora of
new experiences including:
O Being an active part of plan development
within the hospital.
O Developing and providing staff education.
O Direct discussion with physicians,
management, and administration.
O Presenting plan to management council for
approval.
O Assisting in the organization of a CEU in-
service for staff.


Conclusion
O This service learning project provided an
opportunity to explore other areas in
nursing.
O I enjoyed working within this
interdisciplinary team and being part of
such a large change within the hospital.
O I learned that I would like more
opportunities to be able to provide
education to a group, including both the
research and presentation of information.


O I plan to explore more opportunities to
share the information I have learned from
this project regarding wound rounds.
O My goal is to provide the best possible
care for all patients.