1. Service Learning Project AuSable Free Clinic
Marisa L. Gariglio
Ferris State University
NURS 450
“People of the Community…Caring for those in their Community”

2. Service Learning
“Service Learning is a form of practical experience that enhances learning in all areas of a nursing program, and the experience of service learning reinforces the moral and civic values inherent in serving others” (Ferris State University, 2013)
Volunteer: to give (something) or offer to do something without being forced or paid to do it (Merriam-Webster, 2014)
Occurs in the community outside of the classroom and work environments

3. AuSable Free Clinic, Grayling
Vision
That the uninsured will receive primary health care.
(AuSable Free Clinic, 2013)
Mission
A non-profit organization that provides access to outpatient health care by professional and other volunteer staff to individuals who have no medical insurance and cannot afford private medical care.

4. The AuSable Free Clinic and Board of Directors were created in 2005
History
The AuSable Free Clinic and Board of Directors were created in 2005
AuSable Free Clinic provides:
Limited chronic and urgent medical treatment
Open clinic Thursday evenings, appointments Tuesdays
Community resource referrals, financial screening
Limited lab, radiology, and pharmacy services at no cost
Eligibility: Income less than 150% of poverty level an NO insurance
Assist patients in qualifying for discounted long-term medications
(AuSable Free Clinic, 2013)

5. My Role Meet and work with others who have
the same vision of “giving back”
Triage patients
Provide education and reassurance
Keep the patient updated regarding their personal care plan, upcoming appointments, and services
Coordinate prescriptions, lab, and radiology services
Discharge patients
Work with other disciplines and physicians to meet the needs of the patient

6. Reflection Initial Thoughts Assumptions New Thinking Boring
Didn’t know what to expect
Was not aware of services offered
Patients were homeless
Assumptions
Performing menial tasks
I would not be challenged
I would “do my time” and be done
New Thinking
Patients were the “working poor”, had no family support, or unemployed
Spent time providing true nursing care
Most grateful patients

7. Personal Reflection
It was challenging. At times we had to be creative in education and meeting the needs of the patient.
I was able to meet and work with other nurses that care and want to “give back”
The patients that I cared for were the most grateful and appreciative I have ever been around.
I really felt that I was making a difference. It brought the true meaning of nursing into view. I left feeling rewarded and energized.
I plan on continuing to volunteer at the clinic as an RN. Once I become a Nurse Practitioner, I hope to volunteer in the role of a provider.

8. BSN Outcomes (FSU, 2011) Generalist Nursing Practice
Organize the interdisciplinary health care needs of diverse populations across the lifespan toward achieving the goal of healthy individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Health Care Environment
Advocate for improving health care across the continuum of health care environments.
Professionalism
Demonstrate a level of professionalism that is congruent with the inherent values, ethics, and behaviors of the discipline of nursing.

9. Meeting Outcomes Generalist Nursing Practice Health Care Environment
Provided education on disease processes and encouraged preventative medicine and health promotion
Coordinated needed lab tests and x-rays
Health Care Environment
Offered gas vouchers to help with compliance of appointments
Had a social worker available for patients to sign up for the Affordable Care Act or other available resources
Professionalism
Behave as a leader in the nursing profession
Provide holistic care
Utilize therapeutic communication and technique
Unbiased treatment and care of a diverse population

10. “People of the Community…Caring for those in their Community”
Recommendations
“People of the Community…Caring for those in their Community”
Besides the Director and his assistant, everyone at the AuSable Free Clinic are volunteers including Dr’s, PA’s, NP’s, RN’s, LPN’s, and support staff
Staff advocate for the patient and try to meet as many of their needs as possible with limited resources
Staff very welcoming, friendly, and helpful
Both staff and patients were the most appreciative and grateful that I have ever been around
I felt inspired and energized to help others and “give back”
I highly recommend the AuSable Free Clinic to other nurses in order to gain insight and experience.

11. References
AuSable Free Clinic. (2013). Brochure. Retrieved from:
Ferris State University [FSU]. (2011). BSN outcomes. Retrieved from:
Ferris State University [FSU]. (2013). RN to BSN completion program: frequently asked questions. Retrieved from:
Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2014). Retrieved from: