The Heart and Mind Coming Together: A Case Study of the Implementation of a University-Children's Hospital Partnership

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of university students serving as volunteers in an oncology ward at a local children's hospital. The implementation of this project was guided by the body of literature regarding service learning. Data were collected from the five students using a structured interview and was presented as case studies. A cross-case analysis was performed to identify emerging patterns and themes and to identify similarities and differences among the subjects. The main findings were discussed across the themes of pragmatics; personality profile; people who need people; life experiences; motivation to participate; great expectations; and perceived benefits and challenges. Questions for further research provided ways to sustain and improve the project. Five appendixes are included: (1) Agenda; (2) Service Learning Agreement; (3) Acknowledgement of Risk Statement; (4) Pre-Project Interview Protocol; and (5) Post-Project Interview Protocol. (Contains 1 table.)