By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
The swing bed program at Atmore Community Hospital allows a patient to transition from acute care to a skilled nursing facility or home. Typically a 21-day program, swing bed means less direct nursing attention. Due to fewer nursing “visits,” swing bed patients may find themselves a bit bored.
That’s where Coastal Alabama Community College nursing students recently came to the rescue. In October, instructors Brittany Cole and Jessica Coleman accompanied students to the hospital to deliver more than 500 items collected for ACH swing bed patients.
“This was a community service project for our students in September,” Jessica said. “They had been shadowing at Atmore Community Hospital and saw a need for activities for swing bed patients.”
Three classes competed in collecting items for the program. The class collecting the most was recognized – and the competition was fierce. They collected more than 500 items in only two weeks.
Erica Little, adjunct instructor at CACC and house supervisor at ACH, gave students a list of items that would be beneficial for swing bed patients – coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, puzzles, activity books, crossword and word search books, and so much more. Erica also distributes Atmore News and “atmore” magazine to patients.
“We want to keep them engaged mentally and physically,” Erica said. “Offering extra activities is one way to do that.”
Jessica and Brittany agreed the collection drive exceeded their expectations.
CACC, Atmore Campus Practical Nursing Instructors are Jessica Coleman, Brittany Cole, Marla Jordan, Tessie Mendoza, Tyler Trotter, and Division Chair Lynette Ruckman.