Sandra Kundrik Leh
Cedar Crest College, USA
Title: Enhancing understanding of poverty through simulation
Biography
Biography: Sandra Kundrik Leh
Abstract
Teaching complex concepts such as poverty can be a daunting and challenging task for nurse educators. However, it is imperative that nursing students understand the health care challenges that face vulnerable populations. Textbook readings alone may not capture the depth of the issues and struggles faced by those living in poverty. Low fidelity simulation experiences, in addition to traditional teaching strategies, have shown to be effective in giving students the opportunity to gain a new level of empathy for families who struggle with few resources. Participants are compelled to examine their own attitudes, biases, and beliefs about poverty during the simulation session. By increasing students’ understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by low income families on a daily basis, they will be better positioned to provide more meaningful and effective health care. By enabling students to examine poverty from various perspectives, they can then recognize and discuss the potential for change in their local communities. This session presents an overview of an interdisciplinary-based low fidelity poverty simulation used in an undergraduate community health nursing course. The planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of the simulation experience are discussed.