News Article

Fifth Graders Receive Health Education from FSW Charlotte Nursing Students

Oct 16, 2015

October 16, 2015 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Nursing students at Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) Charlotte Campus have stepped out from behind their desks and to the front of the classroom. Recently, the third-semester pediatrics rotation in the Associate in Science Nursing degree program has been providing health education to fifth grade students attending Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS).

“Our nursing students based their presentations on CCPS approved videos Just Around the Corner, which are about puberty and how our bodies change,” said Judith Sweeney, nursing professor, FSW. “The students reinforced the information and expanded it to include important information on nutrition, exercise and hygiene. They also opened it up for questions, and it was amazing how responsive the children were and how many questions they asked.”

“The students did a wonderful job and found it very rewarding as well as educational,” Sweeney said. “The feedback from the school staff and even from a parent that attended was so positive. They truly appreciated us coming out and helping with Health Education, and our Nursing program is always excited when we can find new ways to connect with our community.”

“One of the many jobs nurses do is educate patients and their families,” said FSW nursing student Lisa Upright. “This gives us the opportunity to put into practice how we are going to talk to people and how to reach them.”

The nursing students will give their presentations to fifth grade classes at all ten CCPS elementary schools. They will also soon expand their health education presentations into sixth grade classes at four CCPS middle schools.

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Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Last Updated: October 16, 2015