Montana Tech Nursing Students Committed to Their Community

The Montana Tech Student Nurses Association promotes health and wellness in our community. Our mission is to mentor students preparing to convey the standards, ethics, and skills to be leaders of nursing. The Montana Tech Student Nurses Association is a club comprised of nursing students who wish to make a difference in the community. We do at least one community service event every semester, which has included clothing drives, bone marrow drives, making lunches for the local homeless population, and more. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected all of our lives. One of the populations hit hardest are those residing in nursing homes. This population is experiencing a reality unlike anyone else - total lock-down. Visitor restrictions have been in place for a year, residents must eat in their rooms alone, and there are no longer group activities. Essentially these residents are stuck in their rooms. This causes loneliness and isolation, which has been shown to increase depression and anxiety, and lead to poor outcomes.

Many of the nursing home residents are impacted by dementia. This only adds to the stress that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. With employees required to wear masks and face shields every day, residents may struggle to build and maintain relationships with their caregivers. Masks also make it difficult for residents to hear or lip read. Residents are required to wear masks as well, which can be very confusing for them if they do not understand why this is necessary.  

The Montana Tech Student Nurses Association has come together to support this vulnerable population. With Easter just around the corner, and families unable to visit their loved ones, the Montana Tech Student Nurses Association has chosen to donate Easter baskets to a local nursing home, the Springs, with an emphasis on their memory care unit.

We are kindly asking for donations to help Montana Tech Student Nurses Association provide the best possible Easter baskets. Due to COVID-19, we are unable to donate home-made items and must purchase everything new. We are looking to buy large pieced puzzles, stuffed animals, baby dolls, lotions, sensory and tactile gifts, and Easter candy. Our goal is to reach $1000 to provide each memory care resident an Easter basket of their own. 

Please consider making a gift to the Montana Tech Student Nurses Association, in hopes of bringing cheer to the Springs’ residents during such a difficult time. Help us spread the word by sharing with friends and family through social media, email, or a simple phone call. Thank you for the support!