Some think diversity refers to those with a different language or skin color than one’s own, but N400 students learned it includes different values, personalities, opinions, and perspectives (to name a few). They learned that diversity does not reduce, but amplifies the need to love unconditionally and administer competent health care. Student Ryan Bartholomew saw diversity in a new frame of reference when he said, “God created all people on this earth, and he has never forced any of His children to adopt a certain personality, or have a certain opinion about most topics, or live in a certain environment. It seems as though God intended all of His children to be unique in some way . . . diversity must be important for our existence on this earth.”

Eighteen students enrolled in one section of  N400 Global Health & Human Diversity had  an opportunity to work at local schools for children with disabilities, giving meds, administering tube feedings, and charting progress. They observed skilled teachers and technicians interacting with the youth and realized it is by “doing” that one “becomes;” thus, dissolving the initial awkwardness of a student nurse. Timothy Naylor put it his way: “This experience will affect my nursing practice for the rest of my life, because I know that if a challenge is new, different, or difficult, I can immerse myself into whatever it is, adapt to it and expand my knowledge and enhance my nursing skills. There will be no need to be frustrated or discouraged because I will remember that it is through doing that I become.”

Another group of eight students worked at Utah State Correctional Facilities. Two students per day spent an 8-12 hour shift in various medical units of the facility, preceptored by one or more RNs. In addition to practicing nursing skills, they volunteered as speakers at Sunday religious services and taught lessons to groups of women on nutrition, diet, exercise, and self-esteem. Megan Astil said of her experience, “. . . In our teaching opportunities at the prison, and attending the church services, I realized that the solution was not in demeaning people so they will feel submissive and obey, but in finding some way to motivate them to want to change, and then they will take the steps to turn their lives around themselves. . . As nurses, it is important to extend belief in human potential to all populations. . . This caring attitude will often support the foundation needed for the person to start to heal.”

 Student nurses also worked in a local pediatric diabetes clinic, as well as in general health care clinics, spending several days at each practice. Their service when “off duty” included volunteering at Utah County Health Department doing assessments, vaccinations, etc.; assisting in the First Aid Station at Special Olympics; accompanying children with disabilities to the zoo or on a fishing trip; and working at a blood pressure assessment booth on BYU campus.

You could count the course successful because of nursing skills reinforced; but since human traits of humility, love, and compassion were greatly amplified for most students, you would have to say it was extraordinary!