Blending art and science in nurse education; the benefits and impact of creative partnerships

Aim:This paper presents the benefits and impact of an innovative education partnership between lecturers from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University Belfast and Arts Care, a unique Arts and Health Charity in... [ view full abstract ]

Aim:This paper presents the benefits and impact of an innovative education partnership between lecturers from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University Belfast and Arts Care, a unique Arts and Health Charity in Northern Ireland, to engage nursing students in life sciences.

Background and context:Nursing and Midwifery students often struggle to engage with life science modules because they lack confidence in their ability to study science. This project was funded by a Teaching Innovation Award from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University, Belfast, to explore creative ways of engaging year one undergraduate nursing students in learning anatomy and physiology.

Methodology:The project was facilitated through collaboration between teaching staff from the School of Nursing and Midwifery and Arts Care, Northern Ireland. This unique Arts and Health Charity believes in the benefits of creativity to well being. Artists from the charity facilitate participatory workshops and performances to make all forms of art accessible to patients, clients, residents and staff in health and social care setting across Northern Ireland.
Twelve year one nursing students participated in a series of four workshops designed to creatively explore the cells, tissues and organs of the human body through the medium of felt. Facilitated by an artist from Arts Care, students and teachers translated their learning into striking felt images.

Key findings:Creativity brought to life the students' learning of the cells, tissues and organs of the human body. The project culminated in the exhibition of a unique body of work which is currently on tour across health and social care facilities across Northern Ireland. It was a unique creative learning experience for both students and staff resulting in personal benefits far beyond the acquisition of knowledge.