Group project flourishes into individual triumph

Honoring patient diversity an issue that leads to personal growth for IPFW nursing student

The class assignment was to research the writings of a nursing theorist and to present the findings in a creative way. Watson and six fellow students shared their research results in three forms—a PowerPoint slide show, a 3-D PowerPoint poster presentation and a video. Watson and her classmates made presentations at the IPFW Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Symposium and the IU Undergraduate Research Symposium in Indianapolis.

Watson also traveled to the 25th International Transcultural Nursing Society Conference in Utah, where she met the subject of her group’s research effort—Madeleine Leininger, an advocate for breaking down stereotypes and honoring patient diversity. Leininger encouraged Watson to pursue a master’s degree and additional research.

These are exactly the kind of eye-opening, skill-building encounters Beckman wants nursing students to experience.

“We’re developing teachers of patients, teachers of other nurses, critical thinkers and creators of educational materials,” said Beckman. “The work of our alumni goes far beyond the layman’s stereotypical view of nursing.”

Beckman believes that Watson is a critical thinker. “And a bit reserved,” she said. “Volunteering as an undergraduate to go alone to Utah, where most other presenters were doctorally prepared, Tyra showed that she’s a risk-taker as well. This project has allowed her to have a direct impact on diversity issues at Parkview.”

Watson said Beckman gave her courage.

“She’s so enthusiastic,” Watson said. “I wanted all the experiences she had to offer, especially those that encouraged us to broaden our thinking—to move beyond technical skills and toward seeing our patients as whole persons.”