A group of UTA nursing students found a way to give back to a community in need by volunteering to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.
Second-semester senior nursing students in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation drove over two hours to Honey Grove, Texas, to distribute more than 1,300 doses of the vaccine.
“It seemed like a unique experience I could participate in that would allow me to help the rural community receive its COVID vaccines,” says Tara Gibson. “It also gave me more experience with administering injections.”
Several students earned clinical hours toward their degrees, but others volunteered simply to help out.
“This was a great opportunity to practice my nursing skills and grow in confidence,” says Brian Cisneros. “Being able to help vaccinate in this rural community showed me how grateful everyone was to get the vaccine.”
Melynda Hutchings, the clinical assistant professor who coordinated the clinical experience, says she hopes to provide future opportunities for students to vaccinate in this rural community or others like it.
“I saw firsthand how much effort it is and how many people are needed to run a vaccination clinic,” says Kara Peacock. “I felt that if there were a need and we were able to, then the least we could do was help.”
