In the past, the nursing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University did not introduce anthropogenic activities as a source of disease.  In January of 2009, we began an elective course for senior nursing majors that introduced conditions that have their origins in the environment.  Our objectives were to give these students exposure to ecological and environmental topics that would be relevant to their practice.  To this end, topics that were included covered global climate change, epidemiology of emerging diseases, anthropogenic additions to the environment, and the possible diseases that could be encountered during their practice.  The students were also exposed to various laboratory exercises such as ELISA testing, toxicological testing using Daphnia pulex, and microbiological testing of air.

Results/Conclusions

Student outcomes were measured as an understanding of the topics presented in several venues.  First, the students were presented with case studies that challenged them to use not only their nursing education but also the material that was present during the course.  In addition, the students presented topics designed around World Health Day for the university community at large.  These topics revolved around those that were discussed in class relevant to their practice and particularly underdeveloped countries.