PHOTO CAPTION: Members of the Dental Hygiene Class of 2020 send a positive message during a Zoom call to faculty members and also their patients in the USI Dental Hygiene Clinic.
With the shift to online learning, faculty members have had to quickly move in-person classes and clinicals to an online format.
Nursing Program Online Assignment
Multiple courses in the USI Nursing Program have assigned the book, The Long Walk Out of the Woods, by Dr. Adam Hill, a physician in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Riley Hospital for Children.
The book is a personal narrative surrounding his struggle with stress and disillusionment with the culture of medicine, leading to alcoholism, depression and suicidal thoughts. After reading this book, students were asked to respond to a series of reflective questions that dove into the topics of stigma, addiction, suicide and more.
Dr. Gina Schaar, Associate Professor of Nursing, shared one student’s answer to the first reflection question.
“After finishing the last page of the book, I wanted more pages to read of his reflective journey. This book, that he poured every ounce of himself into and became completely vulnerable, left me feeling like I wanted to lead my life that way. There was something about the descriptive and relatable words he used that had me captivated. I had never truly felt I could explore the journey of individuals who battled addiction until now. But now I feel that I have a greater confidence in appreciating the strength and timeless effort it takes every day to work through and overcome the stereotypes and labels our society places on those fighting with mental illness and alcoholism. At first, while reading the book I felt bad for these individuals, but now I see their strength, I see the open mindedness, courage and fight they have in them because of their experiences."
Schaar said this student's response is example of how powerful this book and assignment was to her students, and also evidence that the USI nursing students are continuing to grow and learn while sheltering in place.
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