Third-year nursing students at Penn State Schuylkill are getting hands-on, community-based experience this fall thanks to an ongoing partnership with Diakon Senior Community Centers throughout Schuylkill County.
As part of the course NURS 310: Therapeutic Nursing Care of the Older Adult Client in a Variety of Settings—commonly known as Gero Nursing—students in the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing explore the physical, emotional, and social needs of older adults by working directly with local seniors.
Led by Dr. Koren Dixon, assistant teaching professor of nursing, the class emphasizes therapeutic communication, compassion, and person-centered care.
“Through this course, students develop a deeper understanding of aging and the unique challenges faced by older adults,” Dixon said. “They apply therapeutic communication skills while serving the community and learning how to provide compassionate, person-centered care.”
Hands-On Support Across Local Senior Centers
Students spend clinical hours at Diakon Senior Community Centers in Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven, Mahanoy City, and Tremont. Their work ranges from assisting with activities like bingo, trivia, crafts, and puzzles to helping pack Meals on Wheels and serving coffee and lunch to congregate members.
They also join seniors for holiday festivities, entertainment events—including an Elvis appearance—and seasonal programs such as Halloween parties and Holiday Bingo.
Beyond the centers, nursing students assist at the Annual Senior Expo at Fairlane Village Mall, where they help set up, serve meals, and welcome hundreds of visiting older adults.
Debbie Herb, Coordinator of Center Services, said the partnership has been invaluable.
“Our staff appreciates the extra set of hands to assist our seniors in a variety of ways,” Herb said. “This is the real deal—being out in the community, serving with open minds and hearts, and realizing the needs of our seniors. And… we can’t forget enjoying special moments with our gang. We are happy to have the students as part of our team.”
Building Relationships and Strengthening Empathy
The partnership offers more than just clinical practice—it fosters meaningful relationships.
Students often share conversations, memories, and emotions with seniors, gaining a deeper understanding of the human side of nursing.
Third-year nursing student Megan Marks said the experience has been especially impactful.
“I love leaving these centers after meeting so many amazing older adults who have such wonderful stories to tell,” Marks said. “Each time I go, the seniors never fail to make me smile or brighten my day.”
Another student, Jesenia Landaverde, said spending time at the Pottsville Senior Community Center opened her eyes to the importance of social programming for older adults.
“It reminded me that we all have a part to play in our communities and that making these connections helps meet our social and emotional needs,” Landaverde said.
Preparing the Next Generation of Nurses
By working closely with local seniors, students gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of social engagement, accessibility, and mental health supports for older adults. Dixon said those insights are critical to preparing future nurses.
“By working with local seniors, our students not only strengthen their clinical skills but also their empathy and understanding of the human experience,” she said. “This partnership truly benefits both our students and the community.”