Wildcat Nurses Help Underserved Middle School Students Participate in School Sports
Sept. 11, 2019
On Wednesday, August 28, University of Arizona College of Nursing Clinical Assistant Professor Theresa E. Allison, DNP, FNP-C, led a group of UA CON Nurse Practitioner Faculty to provide sports physicals to underserved children at the Roberts Naylor K-8 School.
A majority of Roberts Naylor students are from low-income backgrounds, which means their parents are unable to afford to pay out of pocket for a sports physical, a requirement from the State of Arizona for any middle to high school students who wish to participate in sports. Thanks to Dr. Allison and her team, students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in sports received the necessary screening.
"Every year, students ask if they can come back next year after they have graduated to participate again because it was so much fun.” ~ Theresa E. Allison, DNP, FNP-C
“It’s a head-to-toe physical exam,” says Dr. Allison. “With a focus on heart and musculoskeletal systems, listening and looking for any abnormalities which could cause serious medical problems if not detected before they played a sport.”
The physicals are particularly beneficial, she points out, because by getting children active and interested in sports helps them both physically and mentally. “Hopefully this pattern continues into high school and potentially be an avenue to get a college scholarship and allow them get a higher education,” she says.
The physicals and participation in sports within Roberts Naylor create school spirit and teamwork and allow student athletes to better themselves and their community.
“The University of Arizona College of Nursing has formed a great partnership with Roberts Naylor K– 8 over the last two years in a win – win relationship,” says Dr. Allison. “The principal told me this year that last year was the first year every child who wanted to participate in a sport was able to and they were able to fill every team with athletes. It also is great opportunity for our FNP DNP students to have experience with an underserved community and to practice doing sports PE’s. Every year, students ask if they can come back next year after they have graduated to participate again because it was so much fun.”