HUMN 310 - Narrative Nursing

The purpose of this course is to advance student knowledge of the forms and structures of narrative nonfiction writing, oral storytelling, personal reflections, and close listening. We will explore a number of ways in which narrative can be applied throughout the healthcare environment. We will examine the crucial role of radical listening to promote narrative understanding between patients and providers, as well as among providers themselves. The focus is on comprehension and creation of narratives and live stories by and about providers and patients. The primary pedagogical approach is the reading and writing of narratives, class discussions, video presentations, small group work, learning journals, and reflection. In essence, we will hone our ability to create and encounter stories as an important an important function within the nursing profession. Storytelling facilitates connective learning experiences among students who encounter others authentically and openly, thereby enhancing their professional communication skills, professional identities, and collaboratively developing their critical thinking skills in social environments. The active learning exercises inherent in Narrative Nursing fosters engagement, ownership of experience, and reflections for the deep and often difficult work that accompanies the profession. Upon conclusion of this course, students will have completed one professional level narrative essay and one performed recorded story.
3 credit hours