Letter Related to Community Involvement, Essay Example

I believe that the role of a nurse encompasses more than just providing care in times of crisis.  As front-line members of the health care team, nurses present the public face of health care to people from diverse backgrounds.  Because of this, it is very important for all nurses to play a role in the community so as to remain connected to the needs of the general public.

It is important to me to build a relationship with my surrounding community, both in my personal and professional life.  I have spent several years volunteering for Meals on Wheels on a monthly basis, work that involves preparing and packaging food to be delivered to seniors in need.  I have also had the opportunity to deliver food to participants in this program, volunteer work that has been very rewarding as it has allowed me to connect with lonely seniors and discuss nutrition while informally assessing their physical health.  As well, during my clinical rotation at the Sanctuary at Tuttle Nursing Home, I made an effort to get involved with the larger community beyond my professional role.  This included participating in fund raising activities such as bake and book sales, spending time outside of my working hours visiting with residents, and encouraging my friends and neighbors to spend time volunteering at the Sanctuary.

The elderly have given us so much, and yet they tend to be a vastly neglected segment of our society. I am grateful that I’ve had the chance to work with such unique people, and inspire other people to take on this important work as well.  I look forward to having many more opportunities to contribute to the strengthening of my community in the coming years.