Regis College has received a $10,000 grant from the Catholic Health Foundation (CHF) of Greater Boston to support the CARE Initiative, which places university nursing faculty and students in two Catholic schools to provide comprehensive school health services. The program meets urgent health needs in the schools and offers Regis students critical hands-on experience in school and community health.
Through the Caring, Access, Rx, and Education (CARE) Initiative, the CHF grant funds the placement of school nurses at Lawrence Catholic Academy (LCA) in Lawrence, and Trinity Catholic Academy (TCA) in Brockton. In addition, Regis provides nurse practitioner (NP) coverage one day each week during the academic year. Since 2016, Regis’ partnership with CHF has enabled nurse practitioner students to provide vital services to 85 students at Lawrence Catholic and 86 students at Trinity Catholic.
"This program is a great way to introduce those who haven’t worked with children to children,” stated Regis Adjunct Clinical Faculty Nicole True. “It takes away the intimidating ‘doctor's office’ and has the children in a familiar setting, allowing the students to hone their age-appropriate interactions with their patients."
Faculty and NP students conduct health screenings, deliver health education initiatives, and support student wellness programs. School nurses with the appropriate credentials also precept Regis Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students as part of their community health rotation.
“The support provided by Regis faculty and students was an important factor in the smooth operation of our health rooms this year at both TCA’s Upper and Lower campuses,” said Dr. Jen Roy, TCA Principal. “Not only did having the Regis students benefit TCA students, but the program also provided support to our school nurses. The clinical instructor was professional in the health office setting, and transitioned with ease to the role part way through the school year. She is dedicated to educating the Regis and TCA students. We look forward to our continued relationship with the Regis College school-based clinic program.”
"LCA deeply values our partnership with Regis. Having student NPs in our health office allows them to see, in real time, what a school nurse does and the types of minor injuries and illnesses that are faced daily,” said LCA Principal Monica Lucey. “It allows a hands-on experience that is invaluable in their training and allows our nurse the opportunity to participate in important student meetings while ensuring the office is fully staffed."
“Each year, the quality of organizations that apply for a Catholic Health Foundation grant continues to impress. These organizations are resourceful and creative in identifying new ways to leverage their funds so that they can maximize their work’s beneficial impact,” said CHF Executive Director Lynne Sullivan.
“As Catholics, we are called to care for our neighbors through solidarity and support,” stated Foundation President Gavan Mooney. “These organizations are addressing challenges with innovative initiatives and solutions. Their work helps expand access to care and launch preventative programs that ultimately prevent disease and reduce healthcare costs. CHF is proud to support their work.”
The full list of grantees can be viewed at chfboston.org/.