For the past six years, Project Access Northwest has proudly collaborated with Seattle University College of Nursing to provide hands-on learning opportunities for nursing students. This partnership allows student interns to support care coordination efforts while gaining invaluable experience in serving vulnerable populations. Together, we’re shaping compassionate health care professionals and improving access to essential care in our communities.
This fall, we welcomed four Doctor of Nursing Practice students as part of an exciting internship project to develop and implement a patient survey for Verdant Health Commission:
- Miguel Larsen (Family Nurse–Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Katie Brown (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Sabina Mishiyeva-Marino (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Sarah Costas-Lo (Certified Nurse Midwife)
Patient survey
Under the guidance of registered nurses Andrea Castell and Heather Van Der Wal, who shared their extensive expertise, and Molly James, Specialty Care Program Director, the students committed eight hours weekly for eight weeks.
They designed a 12-question telephone survey, reaching 77 participants, and analyzed responses. The survey evaluated clients’ health status before and after receiving services through Project Access Northwest, their experiences, and whether they would recommend the programs.
“We hope the DNP students spending each fall at Project Access Northwest experience the teamwork it takes both within our staff and with clinical providers to arrange and provide the specialty medical care needed by this multicultural and underserved population,” said Castell, a co-founder at Project Access Northwest.
Learning from the results
Preliminary findings revealed a higher incidence of diabetes within the surveyed population, highlighting the need for further research. Their work concluded with a comprehensive presentation, offering insights and recommendations for our team.
> View the presentation
“This was my first time working with Project Access Northwest in population health clinical. I’ve learned a lot,” said Assistant Professor Robin Narruhn, Ph.D. “The students discovered that working at the population health level makes sustainable, justice-oriented change.”
The students’ efforts also resulted in a flyer and policy brief in Spanish, Russian and English, which will be shared with clients.
We are deeply grateful to Miguel, Katie, Sabina and Sarah for their dedication and to Seattle University for partnering with us to better serve our community!