Defining ourselves through our stories: building learning coummunities

Abstract

Through this project, I have explored the concepts of professional identity, communities of learning, practice stories and reflective practice. From the foundation of these concepts, I have adapted a story-based learning model for public health nursing practice. Based on constructivist and transformative learning theory, this learning strategy supports public health nurses in examining their practice through the lens of their discipline specific competencies. As public health nurses gather into communities of learning to reflect on their practice stories, they will have opportunity to develop life-long learning skills and to deepen their sense of professional identity. Story-based learning moves professional development from a training model to an education model where public health nurses can grow as persons and professionals.