Nurses have to communicate important health information to patients quickly. Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing (ABSN) students practiced doing just that in several health fairs with groups of third-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students from the Harvard Kent School earlier the month.  

The Harvard Kent students rotated through interactive stations designed by the nursing students that focused on practical health education. ABSN students led sessions on topics including swim safety, the importance of healthy sleep routines, and strategies for managing stress.  

“At each station, participants explore simple, practical strategies to promote health and prevent illness, while also learning more about the role of nurses,” explained Dr. Kathy Sabo, director of the Ruth Sleeper Nursing Center for Clinical Education and Wellness. “For our students, the experience provides a chance to practice communicating essential health information in a short period of time. They must prioritize key points, tailor their messages for a younger audience, and present them in an engaging and accessible way.”  

The School of Nursing has collaborated with the local elementary school on this annual health fair since 2018, with only a brief pause during the COVID pandemic, and continues to receive positive feedback each year.