FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2007
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124

MUW nursing students give TLC to Trinity residents
  
COLUMBUS, Miss. – Mississippi University for Women nursing students have helped take the mileage off the feet of some residents at the Trinity Place Retirement Community for about 15 years.
   
The community outreach continued this semester with three foot care clinics offered by students in the Associate of Science Nursing Program. Three rotations were also held in the fall.
   
Students saw approximately 40 to 50 residents a day where the residents had their feet soaked and observed for lesions and toenails trimmed.
   
“Keeping people on their feet is so important,” said Dr. Suzanne Bennett, assistant professor of nursing, noting that immobility leads to weight gain, poor circulation and bedsores.
   
Bennett added that these clinics are important because the feet are often neglected when patients go to the doctor.
   
She said students also benefit from seeing seniors who are feeling well.
   
“It’s so important for the students to see the elderly outside the acute health care setting and not hooked up to machines,” Bennett said.
   
Gerald Scallions, program director for the retirement community, said, the residents look forward to the foot care clinics and sign up early to schedule their appointments.
    
“The best part of this is the interaction with the young people and listening to the conversation. Our residents know the students are coming here to learn and practice. It’s a two-way street,” he said.
   
Resident Helen Sawyer, who taught textile and clothing in the home economics department at MUW for three years, said, “We wish you would come at least once a week. We anticipate it. When you get 84 there are a lot of things you cannot do.”
   
Elsie Sanderson, who graduated from MUW in 1961, echoed similar sentiments.
   
“We always look forward to this activity. We cannot wait for them to get here.”
   
The nursing students also enjoy the clinics.
   
“It’s nice to work with people who are not in a hospital bed and can interact with us,” said Natalie DiCicco.