Student nurses donate time to boost Special Olympics

USC Aiken nursing students Leigh Ann Bergon, left, and Megan Rushton warmly greet North Augusta High School student Troy Williams last week. The nursing students provided physicals for children with disabilities; a requirement for those kids participating in the Special Olympics this spring. As USC Aiken professor Maureen Bravo assists, nursing student Justin Abele checks Ray Sheik Gardner's throat during a physical - with Abele demonstrating just what he wanted his patient to do. (Staff photo by Rob Novit)

Who knew that the traditional physical could be so much fun.

That's what about 150 special needs children from the Aiken County School District found out last week, as they received the basic examinations from students at the USC Aiken School of Nursing.

Such physicals are mandatory for children before they can participate at the Special Olympics Games, scheduled in Aiken County later this spring.

In conjunction with the school district, Bill Boyce - the Area 15 region's volunteer coordinator for Special Olympics - arranged the project with the USCA nursing school and also will reimburse the schools for school bus transportation.

"Everybody cooperated to make this happen," said Boyce. "It should increase our participation to the 400- to 500-student level for the Olympics."

The Knights of Columbus helped support the project, he said. Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity on the USCA campus also is planning a fund-raising drive.

The nursing students, currently on a pediatric rotation, checked the children's general condition, along with a lot of friendly laughter and banter with the kids.

"All of us are enjoying it," said nursing student Geoff Larkin. "They're sweet kids, willing to do whatever we ask. It really is illuminating for us, as we don't see this population very often."

The project is needed and much appreciated, said Denise Goetschius, a Gloverville Elementary School special education teacher.

"A lot of parents don't have the finances or the resources to take their children to a doctor for a physical," she said. "Our kids love going to the Special Olympics. It's also a good opportunity for the nursing students to visit with different children."

That's important, said USCA professor Thayer McGahee. The nursing students encounter acutely ill children and adults in hospital settings, but for this program, got to work with healthy children with disabilities.

"They got to practice their health assessment skills," McGahee said. "This also incorporates a service-learning opportunity. We're proud of our students. They're doing a good job."

The project is a good learning experience and great fun, said nursing student Rachel Rouse.

"These kids have a special place in a lot of hearts here," she said.

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.