Providing Real-World Experiences for College Nursing Students
November 19, 2025
Sophomore nursing students from La Salle University’s Introduction to Professional Nursing course have been spending time at Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill this semester enhancing their education, as well as forming relationships with residents.
The course, offered through the university’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences, includes a clinical component, examining the “fundamental principles of person-centered nursing practices.”
“The goal of this clinical course is to establish therapeutic communication skills and resident teaching, with an emphasis on quality and safety, said Pat DiGiacomo, assistant professor of nursing, who is on site with the students twice a week.
About 15 students (split into two groups) from the private Catholic university in Philadelphia observe the nursing team in the health care area, assist with the flu clinic, spend time with residents and get a broader sense of the responsibilities of working at a senior living facility.
“We love having the students here; they bring a different vibe,” said Carla Stenz, director of nursing at Masonic Village. “The nurses have so much to do, but the students really get to spend quality time with the residents when they’re here, and the residents love that.”
Many nursing students tend to pursue jobs at hospitals after graduation. They don’t always get the time to learn about other places to apply their skill set.
“We like to broaden their horizons and give them some perspective about long-term care, so they don’t shy away from it,” Carla said. “Years ago, ‘nursing homes’ had a reputation for providing poor care. When I became a nurse, new rules and regulations had already been put into place. It’s nice to give students a positive perspective on ‘nursing home life’ at a five-star facility like ours. They are eager to learn and make people happy.”
Rory O’Grady, a student in the nursing program, said he has several friends and family members in the field, and he thought nursing would be a good career for him.
“I thought it fit my personality well, in terms of caring for others,” he said. “I love how connected everything is at Masonic Village, and the different levels of care that are offered.”
Rory, who hails from Maine, is a pharmacy technician back home. He said he is grateful to get additional insight into the nursing profession through shadowing nurses at Masonic Village.
Students from La Salle’s nursing program have shadowed at Masonic Village for several years as part of their curriculum. The university has established community partnerships with numerous senior centers, adult day care centers, hospitals and other health care facilities within Philadelphia and its surrounding areas.
“I appreciate the opportunity through La Salle to go to a place like Masonic Village, where it’s very organized, and I don’t feel too overwhelmed,” Rory said.
Pat DiGiacomo, La Salle assistant professor, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, with La Salle students Gabrielle Walker-Williamson and Shayla Carey.
La Salle student Rory O’Grady with Joanna Ansah, RN.
Jenette Munoz, LPN with La Salle student Darci Bonner.
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