SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Third-year students in the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at Penn State Schuylkill are gaining valuable real-world experience through a community partnership with Diakon Senior Community Centers across Schuylkill County.
As part of the fall semester course NURS 310: Therapeutic Nursing Care of the Older Adult Client in a Variety of Settings, commonly known as "Gero Nursing," students learn about the physical, emotional and social needs of older adults through hands-on, community-based clinical experiences.
Under the guidance of Koren Dixon, assistant teaching professor of nursing, students participate in a variety of activities that promote engagement and connection with the senior population.
“Through this course, students develop a deeper understanding of aging and the unique challenges faced by older adults,” Dixon said. “They apply therapeutic communication skills while serving the community and learning how to provide compassionate, person-centered care.”
The partnership includes clinical rotations at Diakon Senior Community Centers in Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven, Mahanoy City and Tremont, where nursing students assist with activities such as bingo, trivia, crafts and puzzles. They also assist in packing Meals on Wheels and serving coffee and lunch to the congregate members. There also are social events such as an appearance from Elvis, Halloween parties and holiday bingo.
In addition to their time at the centers, students assist at the annual Senior Expo at the Fairlane Village Mall, where they help with setup, serve lunch and welcome attendees.
Debbie Herb, coordinator of center services, thanked Dixon and the students for their involvement with the Senior Community Centers.
“Our staff appreciates the extra set of hands to assist our seniors in a variety of ways,” Herb said. “This is the real deal — being out in the community, serving with open minds and hearts, and realizing the needs of our seniors. And, we can’t forget, enjoying special moments with our gang. We are happy to have the students as part of our team.”
Beyond clinical skills, these experiences provide opportunities for meaningful human connection. Students often share stories, laughter, and even tears with seniors as they reminisce and reflect on their lives.
Megan Marks, a third-year nursing student, said her time at the centers has been deeply rewarding.
“I love leaving these centers after meeting so many amazing older adults who have such wonderful stories to tell,” Marks said. “Each time I go, the seniors never fail to make me smile or brighten my day.”
Jesenia Landaverde, also a third-year nursing student, shared similar reflections.
“After spending the day at the Pottsville Senior Community Center, I realized how important these environments are for seniors’ mental and physical health,” Landaverde said. “It reminded me that we all have a part to play in our communities and that making these connections helps meet our social and emotional needs.”
Through their coursework and community involvement, students gain a greater appreciation for the importance of social engagement, accessibility, and mental health resources for older adults. Dixon said the hope is that these lessons will carry forward into their future nursing careers.
“By working with local seniors, our students not only strengthen their clinical skills but also their empathy and understanding of the human experience,” she said. “This partnership truly benefits both our students and the community.”