Nursing students serve with compassion at LA’s Midnight Mission

UCLA School of Nursing students recently demonstrated their commitment to service and healthcare during a visit to Midnight Mission, where they served meals to the unhoused with compassion, professionalism, and dedication.

More than just an opportunity to provide essential nourishment, the experience, led by nursing faculty members Dr. Kia Skrine Jeffers and Dr. Beth Schwartz, allowed students to engage with individuals in a meaningful way, treating each person with dignity and respect. Their work reinforced the importance of recognizing the humanity in every individual and highlighted the role of nursing in advocating for vulnerable populations.

“Our students’ commitment to service and health equity was evident in the care they demonstrated, reinforcing UCLA’s mission to create a meaningful impact beyond the classroom,” said Schwartz. “We are incredibly proud of their efforts in making a difference in the lives of others.” 

The public health nursing experience provided students with firsthand insight into the social determinants of health and the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. Students were also featured on Midnight Mission’s Instagram channel and had the opportunity to express their gratitude for the opportunity to learn and engage. 

“The undergraduate Public Health Nursing course is designed to move students beyond theoretical concepts and into real communities where public health happens in real time,” said Skrine Jeffers. “To effectively address health inequities, we must connect with people as people, not as problems to be solved. When our students serve alongside community members, they grow in empathy and understanding in deeper ways than a textbook or lecture can foster. They're able to experience what equitable healthcare delivery looks like in the places where people live and engage with everyday life.”