Surviving the Bubble

Posted by Amy in , on August 21, 2009

One of the requirements that Baptist SRNAs must fulfill prior to graduation is the completion of a Service Learning Project.  UNC Greensboro describes Academic Service Learning as "a teaching method that links community action and academic study so that each strengthens the other."  According to our student handbook, the project must support those outside the patient realm; provide the student with opportunities for relationship-building, social change, and public relations within the community; and elevate the profession of nurse anesthesia.


"Surviving the Bubble", an introduction to Baptist's Nurse Anesthesia Program led by a former camp counselor and Baptist NAP alumna, was originally created to fulfill the service learning requirement.  This year's program was held this afternoon at Piney Lake Recreation Area, where we spent the day participating in team building activities, mentally preparing for the rigors of school, and getting to know one another.

Jaime describes how this photo relates to her.
(Hint: she's from Utah!)

We each described an aspect of ourselves by making
objects with a rope.  I'm pretty sure that Chris is
attempting to illustrate "awesomeness".

Bunny ears or rabbit holes?

Working on developing and executing a team strategy.

 Who would have thought that one little rod
could lead to so much frustration?

 If you think jumping rope is easy, you
should try doing it with 23 other people...


The men of 2011 engage in a Q&A session
with a select few from the Class of 2010 

One of the highlights was meeting Ken Leonard, a High Point police officer who lost both of his feet to an IED while in Baghdad to train members of the Iraqi police.  His personal goal following the incident was to requalify for a position on his local police force and, with time, determination, and a whole lot of work, that's exactly what he did.  Mr. Leonard's story was both inspiring and motivating, and exactly what I needed to hear before embarking on the challenging journey ahead.

Dave and Officer Ken Leonard

Before wrapping up, we were asked to compose a mission statement for the class.  After a lengthy discussion and editing session, we ended up with the following:


It reads:
"We the Class of 2011 will embrace the challenges of becoming excellent Nurse Anesthetists.  We pledge to rely on each other, providing support to one another as needed.  We will encourage each other to persevere in this endeavor as we grow both personally and professionally.  We are thankful for the opportunity to be here and are resolved to remain optimistic, finding joy in our chosen adventure."

Can I get a "hear, hear"?

This entry was posted on August 21, 2009 at 20:24 and is filed under , . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response.