Eleanor Mann School of Nursing students and faculty volunteers recently provided no-cost sports physicals to 115 students from the Decatur School District, carrying out the College of Education and Health Professions' priority to serve Arkansas.

"This is WE CARE in action," said Dean Kate Mamiseishvili, referring to the college's strategic plan, which calls for expanding service to the state through transformative educational experiences and meaningful partnerships. "I'm thrilled that we could care for this community by providing healthcare access."

Bachelor of Science in Nursing students checked the 6-11th-grade students' vital signs, then sent them to practicing nurses who evaluated their hearing, vision, blood pressure, lungs, and more.

"They are so thorough," said Decatur's athletic director, Fess Thompson, noting that the nurses caught health issues in three of their students last year that might have otherwise gone undetected.

Thompson said many Decatur student-athletes don't have the means to pay for physicals required to play sports. He also noted that traveling to the U of A campus is a treat, especially since the Razorbacks reign in Arkansas.

"They like being at the U of A, seeing that hog. It's real," Thompson added. "A big shoutout to the U of A School of Nursing. We're grateful for this opportunity."

Jessie Casida, executive director of the nursing school, said the art and science of caring were on full display during the event. "It brought me joy and pride to see our students and faculty show their clinical competencies and compassion, exemplifying excellence in nursing. Our students and faculty are examples of servant leaders vital for advancing the Service mission of the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, the College of Education and Health Professions, and the University of Arkansas."

Four Doctor of Nursing Practice students—Audrey Hunter, Shelbie Graham, Leslie Pamungkas, and Tim Kimball—volunteered for the event. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse faculty members Allison Scott, Marilou Shreve, Carmel Kruse, and Megan Taylor also provided services.

Lori Murray, Doctor of Nursing Practice coordinator and a teaching assistant professor in the nursing school, coordinated the event. Clinical Instructor Jeanice Ball helped direct Bachelor of Science in Nursing students Caroline Hall, Lauren Hagglund, Hannah Davis, Allie Taylor, and Madison Hall.

"My students did a wonderful job interacting with the Decatur students," Ball said. "They enjoyed the opportunity to give back to another community and had fun talking to the students about what sports they played and their interests. I found, and I think the students would agree, that having the opportunity to work in the community and help others is truly what we want to do as nurses."

Nursing student Lauren Hagglund added, "It was a great learning experience for us to work with kids in this age group."

Carmel Kruse, a clinical assistant professor in the nursing school, told each of the Decatur students she assessed that passing a sports physical does not constitute "a lifetime warranty" and encouraged them to immediately inform their coach if they develop pain or other symptoms.