Leslie Njingang, NUR ’26, Silver Springs, MD
This summer, I had the amazing opportunity at Adventist Healthcare to conduct research on health disparities and social determinants of health, specifically focusing on the barriers and facilitators that people of color and women face in accessing and receiving care. This experience was made possible through the generous support of the Turner Schulman Endowed Human Rights Internship Award.
I conducted a comprehensive scoping review, investigating the complex factors influencing health-seeking behavior, the ability to receive care, and experiences within the healthcare system. I also examined discrimination, stigma, and stereotypes, exploring how racism, ageism, weightism, ableism, and sexism contribute to poor health outcomes. The data I gathered allowed me to develop qualitative analysis skills and use an inductive grounded theory methodology to recommend evidence-based interventions.
Beyond the research, one of the most enriching aspects of this summer was the chance to immerse myself in the day-to-day operations of the Medical Center. I had the privilege of interacting with a diverse array of individuals, including patients, administrators, educators, students, volunteers, and health professionals. These interactions provided invaluable insights into the human side of healthcare, where the challenges and triumphs of delivering care are experienced on a personal level. As a nursing student, being in the medical space was profoundly rewarding. I gained valuable experience navigating electronic health record systems to compile and analyze current demographic and health data on the communities and patients served by Adventist HealthCare and observed firsthand the direct correlation between the research I was conducting and its practical application in clinical settings, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based practice.
Moreover, my experience was further enhanced by the opportunity to shadow and assist nurses across various units within the Medical Center. This hands-on exposure allowed me to develop and refine essential clinical skills, such as Foley catheter placement and medication administration. Equally important, I gained a deeper appreciation for the soft skills involved in nursing, particularly the art of therapeutic communication, which is crucial for building trust and providing compassionate care. Engaging with such a diverse patient population not only broadened my clinical competencies but also fueled my passion for serving underserved and marginalized communities—populations that are often disproportionately affected by health disparities.
This summer experience not only expanded my knowledge of the complex issues within healthcare but also solidified my resolve to use research as a powerful tool to enhance patient care. Moving forward, I am eager to continue this work, ensuring that my practice as a nurse is informed by the latest evidence and driven by a commitment to promoting equity and justice in healthcare.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
