Veteran and nursing student Frank Turnbaugh receives Engagement Grant

DUNMORE, Pa. — Third-year nursing student Frank Turnbaugh has received a spring 2023 Student Engagement Network (SEN) Grant from the Penn State Student Engagement Network.

The network is a joint initiative of the University’s offices of Undergraduate Education, Student Affairs and Outreach and Online Education, and connects Penn State students with opportunities that empower them to grow beyond the classroom and achieve their highest potential. Students can explore, plan and execute successful experiential learning opportunities that empower them to have a positive impact on our community and world.

Turnbaugh is a non-traditional adult student who is currently utilizing veteran benefits to attend Penn State Scranton and obtain his bachelor’s degree in nursing. He has received $1,000 through the grant to shadow Michael Evans, teaching professor and assistant dean of undergraduate nursing education at the commonwealth campuses for the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, in the home health arena for the Visiting Nurses Association of Lackawanna County.

When Turnbaugh found out he was this year’s SEN Grant recipient, he was in awe. “I was excited for sure. I read the email twice to make sure!”

He said he is most looking forward to having the ability to learn in an area outside of the classroom and clinical setting.

“This will help me grow because I will get to see the nursing profession away from the typical setting and have the ability to interact with patients on an individual basis,” he said.

Turnbaugh is also looking forward to visiting the diverse populations that rely on home healthcare, as well as learning from Evans on how to treat and advocate for his patients in a setting that does not have the typical resources an acute care setting may have.

Throughout the shadowing experience so far, Turnbaugh has joined Evans when visiting patient’s homes and providing skilled nursing. He has also been able to assist with health histories, medication, reconciliation, physical assessments, and treatments, such as wound care.

According to Evans, Turnbaugh is "a joy to work with."

“Frank exhibits the true meaning of a Penn State Scranton Ross and Carol Nese nursing student,” Evans said. “He is hardworking, dedicated and motivated in all that he does. He displays good critical thinking abilities, shows good analytical skills and has excellent organizational skills, as well as being an excellent communicator. He is always willing to help above and beyond what is expected of him."

Evans hopes that Turnbaugh learns to appreciate another arena of nursing, outside of the typical hospital environment, where students spend a majority of their clinical experiences. 

“I hope that Frank learns more about systems thinking and how nursing fits into the interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to help patients recover from an illness in their own home and how we teach our patients health promotion behaviors to help keep them remain well and out of the hospital,” Evans said. “I also hope that Frank learns about ethical leadership and how to advocate for patients and their loved ones.”

Evans believes this experience will provide Turnbaugh with firsthand knowledge of what patients’ experience once discharged from an acute or long-term care setting and how the continuum of care does not stop at a hospital or nursing home. Additionally, Evans hopes that this experience will allow Turnbaugh to consider another area of nursing that he may want to seek employment in after graduation.

“These types of co-curricular experiences are critical for students as it allows them one-on-one mentorship and experiences that don’t typically occur within their typical college experience,” Evans said. “It also allows students to network with other professionals to expand their opportunities.”

Evans has mentored SEN Grant recipients since the inception of the program in 2017 in the areas of undergraduate research and clinical practice.

“It is important for me to give back to the University and profession that has given me so much,” Evans explained. “It is an honor to mentor the next generation of nurses.”

Evans also emphasized that this experience would not be possible without the support of the Visiting Nurse Association of Lackawanna County. 

Along with being mentored by Evans, Turnbaugh is also currently doing both an externship and internship at the Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Turnbaugh hopes to utilize this experience to work in an intensive care unit or neonatal intensive care unit.

Turnbaugh express gratitude for the dedication he receives as a student from the nursing staff and faculty at Penn State Scranton.

“I'm very proud to be part of this campus,” Turnbaugh said. “They work hard to make sure that we are prepared for a challenging and rewarding career. They teach us more than the academics that are required, they also teach us the values that are associated with being a nurse. Finally, and my favorite, they are nurses first. They care about the students and the future of the profession.”

The Student Engagement Network

The Student Engagement Network advances the power of participation by connecting students with experiences that empower them to make a positive impact as citizens and leaders of the world. By enabling even more students to have transformative experiences, the Student Engagement Network is helping make Penn State a more vibrant place to live, learn, and grow.

The SEN Grant is available to all students, regardless of the academic program of study.

Want to learn more about application criteria? Visit the Student Engagement Network to read more about special requirements and grant opportunities.