Altoona nursing students participate in immersive ‘In Her Shoes’ program

ALTOONA, Pa. — Second degree nursing students in the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at Penn State Altoona recently participated in the “In Her Shoes” Intimate Partner Violence simulation.

The activity provided an immersive experience for students to move, act, think, and navigate choices as a person experiencing an abusive relationship. “In Her Shoes” helps participants shift their thinking about domestic violence and learn what it really means to support survivors, hold those who cause harm accountable, and envision a world devoid of violence and abuse.

“Today’s event not only provided students learning from, with, and about each other but also from professionals that present and facilitating the experience. The aim of such an interprofessional education experience is to ultimately improve patient health outcomes,” said Leslie Womeldorf, associate teaching professor in the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.

The activity was facilitated by nursing faculty and staff from Penn State Altoona and University Park, including Christine Towns-Metrik, counseling supervisor and co-director of Penn State Altoona’s Health and Wellness Center, Alyssa Luther Vasko, mental health outreach coordinator at Altoona, and Amy D. Criscitello, assistant teaching professor of nursing at Altoona.

Ashley Owens, a licensed attorney and director of student accountability and conflict response at Penn State Altoona, was on hand to share her knowledge and experiences as a domestic violence advocate. In addition, Officer Amanda Brant of University Police offered information on law enforcement and the legal system with students.

Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing delivers nursing programs at Penn State Altoona.