Participants in SOAR365’s Adult Day Support program enthusiastically welcomed students from South University, who collaborated with our direct service professionals and participated in various activities over the course of four weeks earlier this year.
“I really enjoyed watching our students interact with program participants,” said Amanda Titone, the Registered Nurse who attended each session and supervised the students. “I never had to worry about whether the students would join in, because most of the time participants would come right up and get the students involved in something right away! Whether they were teaching students sign language, playing corn hole, having dance parties, or talking about current events, there was always some form of mutually beneficial interaction between the participants and students.”
This collaboration supports SOAR365’s commitment to provide best-in-class services and delivers real-life learning opportunities for students.
South University, Richmond is an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Glen Allen. “We offer small classes taught by exceptionally experienced faculty with individualized attention to a very diverse student body,” explains Linda Peck, DNP, RN, CMSRN, and the BSN Program Director. “Our program mission is to prepare caring, competent nursing professionals who lead and inspire change in the healthcare environment. We are convinced that providing our students with the opportunity to volunteer at SOAR365 assists us in achieving this mission.”
The partnership proved to be a win-win relationship, according to Linda. “Working with the amazing individuals at SOAR365 provided our students with invaluable experience, allowing them to develop therapeutic communication skills, empathy, and understanding that are essential in nursing,” she said. “They have developed clinical skills as well as their ability to communicate effectively and provide compassionate care.”
Amanda is enthusiastic about the mutual benefits she observed during the Adult Day Support activities. “This experience was great for our students, who learned a lot from program participants – including skills they would not have gained otherwise.”
For example, she noted: “During one of our post-conference discussions, we acquired a much better understanding of how appropriate terminology plays a huge role in the care of a person with disabilities. I very much look forward to continuing our partnership with SOAR365 for future cohort groups in this program!”