At Samford University’s Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing, “the courage to care” is more than a motto. It is a guiding principle that shapes how students serve both inside and outside the clinical setting.
Service learning is a key part of the nurse anesthesia program, reinforced through academic rigor, clinical training and community outreach. Coordinated by assistant professor Amy Snow, the program introduces students to service opportunities beginning with Day of Service during orientation. For first-year student Rachel Chenault, the experience was a turning point.
“Day of Service opened my eyes to the needs in our community and inspired me to get more involved,” Chenault said.
Students are encouraged to serve in Birmingham and their communities by partnering with local nonprofits, neighbors, or faith-based ministries. Events like Day of Service seek to offer new perspectives and help students connect with people from different backgrounds, cultures and life experiences.
“That was the day I was first introduced to the Grace Klein Community and started me down this path,” Chenault said.
Grace Klein Community is an educational and charitable nonprofit that provides relief to those in need. Inspired by its mission, Chenault focused on the organization’s Give and Take initiative. Based on the principle “Give what you can, take what you need,” the program encourages donations of gently used clothing, household items, books, toys and more. Chenault organized a clothing drive for her classmates, making a meaningful impact on the local community.
“Contributing to Grace Klein’s initiative is an easy way for all of us to give back without leaving campus,” she said.
Chenault placed a donation barrel at the entrance of Samford’s College of Health Sciences to make it easy for students to contribute. Since then, donations have steadily increased. What began as a nursing student’s initiative has grown to include students from all four schools within the college.
“I wanted to give everyone coming into the college an opportunity to donate,” Chenault said.
Whether serving through community partners like Grace Klein or in their neighborhoods and churches, students in the nurse anesthesia program are learning that service is more than a task. It is a mindset shaped by compassion, listening and a commitment to showing the love of Christ through action.
“Nurses often express the desire to serve and help others,” Chenault said. “Our patients will trust us during such a vulnerable time. Ensuring they feel seen, valued and cared for will be important.”
Service learning is embedded throughout the program and takes many forms. While Day of Service is one of the first opportunities for new students to engage, the goal goes beyond a single experience.
