Nursing Students Graduate from DEP Program

Magdalena Stefanek, April 21, 2017

The fourth floor of Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center was humming with activity as Resurrection University nursing students exhibited their capstone presentations on their final day of class, Tuesday, April 18th, 2017.

Three students were presenting on issues in end-of-life care. Brittany Comer, Megan Meyer, and Kevin Echevarria had just completed their clinical capstone rotation with Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care. They were the second cohort of students to participate in Rainbow’s Dedicated Education Partnership (DEP) with Resurrection University’s School of Nursing.

The DEP is a six-week immersion program in which Resurrection University nursing students are matched with experienced Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care staff members who guide them through caring for patients at the end of life. Students in the program benefit from hands-on learning and one-on-one mentorship.

During a break in the presentations, the students were recognized in front of their peers as Nargis Nardi, MSN, RN, CHPN®, Clinical Education Program Manager, presented them with diplomas acknowledging their involvement in the program.

All three students had been drawn to the program by their desire to work on their interpersonal skills with patients at the end of life. “The communication aspect really intrigues me,” Kevin said.

“The nurse mentors taught me how to deal with difficult, emotional situations and how to talk to families, interact with patients and give them the best care possible, even when the outcome isn’t what we’re taught to believe is ideal,” said Megan.

“It is a humbling experience. It teaches you something about yourself, and about your patients,” Brittany concluded.

If you or someone you know attends Resurrection University and is interested in participating in the DEP, please contact Nargis Nardi, Clinical Education Program Manager, at NNardi@RainbowHospice.org.