Running head: SERVCE LEARNING HOME FOR VETERANS 1

Service Learning
Grand Rapids Home for Veterans
Sara Towers
Nurs 320

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Abstract
This proposal of my service learning project that will be taking place at the Grand Rapids
Home for Veterans will demonstrate the importance of Service Learning. Included is what
is involved of the volunteering position and the outcomes which are obtainable. This has
many learning opportunities, which will be helpful throughout my nursing career.
Keywords: Service Learning

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Introduction
Service Learning is a structural learning experience the combines community
service and reflection. Students spend a given amount of time volunteering to help the
organization that they are servicing. This is a way for students to learn and develop through
active participation and meet the needs of the community.
Agency Description
The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans (GRHV) is where I will be volunteering for my
Service Learning Project. The Home for Vets provides long-term care and domiciliary living for
qualified Veterans. Their mission is to maintain, restore and enhance their quality of life, dignity,
and health. The home provides outstanding care to veterans who need assistance with daily living
activities as well as therapeutic services. (Grand Rapids Home For Veterans,n.d.).
Volunteer Role
As a volunteer at the GRHV there are several opportunities to serve. Working in the office
for volunteers, filing, answering telephone calls and helping visitors locate members serve as a well
needed position. There are many special events that take place within the community throughout
the year. Las Vegas Day, Fishing Derbies, Boy/Girl Scouts Flag Ceremony & Decoration,
Memorial Day Service, Carnival Day, Fall Festival and the Veterans Christmas Star Project which
utilizes volunteers year round.
Each volunteer must have a background check before being qualified to volunteer. The
volunteers sign in and out of the facility, in order to know who is on the premises for safety
purposes. Volunteers and staff are now required to sign a HIPAA form on a yearly basis now. This
is a state regulation (Volunteer Newsletter, spring 2013).
Achievement of Program Objectives
Volunteering at the GRHV will help me achieve the RN-BSN Program objectives by the
ability to work with others providing direction, delegating responsibilies, and providing support.
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Most activities work together as a group, which will allow me to utilize my nursing skills.
Understanding the needs at the GRHV and the resources available will allow me to be the best
advocate for the members. Showing my professionalism as a nurse and following the correct
policies and procedures will also help me to obtain the programs outcomes.
Description of Activities
There are many opportunities for volunteering at GRHV. For my 20 hours needed for my
Service Learning Project, I plan to have as many experiences as I am able to throughout the facility.
Some tasks may be assisting members to different activities, serving meals, helping in the library
and one-to one visit, where I hope to implement some teaching to individuals.
A benefit of this project is that it is learning orientated rather than teaching orientated. I
hope to get a better understanding of the facility itself and the care they provide the members who
live there. I enjoy listening to stories that others love t o tell. My knowledge of the Military and
how it all works is very limited, so I feel this will broaden my understanding in order to use in my
nursing career as patients advocate.
Many of the members at GRHV use wheelchairs for mobility. I see that they may benefit
some teaching to help decrease pressures sores and increase muscle tone. The times that I had
visited the facility there seemed to be several members sitting alone, with very few visitors. I hope
to spend time, sitting and actively listening to them, which gives them the opportunity to share their
thoughts and feelings.

Evaluation Plan
As a volunteer for my Service Learning Project at GRHV, I plan on keeping a log of my
hours at the facility and I will obtain a signature of verification of the times served by my contact
person. After each visit, I will document my learning experiences. It will include what area I
volunteered in and any feedback from both the members and the supervisors. Also, what did I learn,
and how I can apply it to my nursing career. I feel in order to have an accurate evaluation it must
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have both the strengths and weaknesses. It is important to continue to learn and apply your
knowledge throughout your nursing profession.
Contact Information
Grand Rapids Home for Veterans
3000 Monroe Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Deanna Reames, Volunteer Coordinator
Voice mailbox: (616) 364-5331
E-mail: ReamesD@michigan.gov

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References
Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. (n.d.)
Reames, D. (2013). Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Volunteer Newsletter.






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