Two Week Program at the Adirondack Medical Center Offers Insight into Providing Care in Rural Setting
Two Week Program at the Adirondack Medical Center Offers Insight into Providing Care in Rural Setting
Seven students from New York University received first-hand experience in rural health care through a two-week program offered at Adirondack Medical Center (AMC) this past January 2010. Six of the NYU students are enrolled at the College of Nursing, and one is studying political science at FAS. AMC’s program afforded the students a rotation through the various departments at AMC, allowing the students to engage themselves with all aspects of rural health care.
The program at AMC was initiated during discussions between John W. Mills, president of Paul Smith’s College, and Terry Fulmer, College of Nursing Dean at NYU. Paul Smith’s College, which has explored the possibility of adding a bachelor’s level nursing degree to its own curriculum, is supporting the initiative by providing housing for the NYU students on its main campus.
“The Adirondack Medical Center program is a spectacular way for our students to observe an entirely different setting,” says NYU College of Nursing Dean Terry Fulmer. “The students had a fantastic opportunity to understand the health care needs of rural populations as well as an appreciation of health policy issues that affect these regions. “
“We’re glad to welcome back these nursing students to the North Country,” Mills said. “It is important that we continue to not only highlight the need to attract skilled nurses to rural areas, but also show students the challenges - and rewards - that can come from pursuing a career off the beaten path.”
This is the second year in which the program has been offered at NYU. Last year, AMC hosted three NYU students as part of the program. The program was developed out of a strong desire to teach rural health as part of the curriculum at the university’s nursing college.
Guiding the students through the two week rotation is Margaret Sorensen, Chief Nursing Officer for AMC. “This is an excellent opportunity for the students to leave the city environment and gain a fresh perspective on providing care in a rural setting,” she noted. “Equally important is that they can take that knowledge back with them, rounding out what is already an exceptional education.”
The mission of the College of Nursing, as an integral part of a research-one private university “in the public service” is to generate new knowledge and educate future nursing professionals who in turn, exemplify the highest standards of excellence in research, education and practice for a global society. The vision for the NYU College of Nursing enterprise is a continuous progress in our scholarship excellence and innovations that advance humane and quality healthcare for all people.
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