Serve, Learn, Travel!

Leadership begins with developing a servant’s heart. Mission trips focused on healthcare prepare students to become servant leaders by introducing them to various cultures and providing them with the tools necessary to make a difference in the lives and health of others by using their skills in unique environments. Although students go to serve, they oftentimes feel they have been blessed by the gift they've attempted to give.

A KSN student reflected upon this in an assignment following a previous mission trip. The student stated, "The one thing I will keep and treasure always: The first children I encountered in their home. They love and laugh and still flourish even when conditions are harsh. I will hold the mama in my heart. To face the uncertainty of life for her and her children. I'm blessed that God used me to show His unfailing and unchanging loving kindness."

Domestic Trip

Cookson Hills Center
Cookson, Oklahoma

Dates: March 15 – March 18

Description: A team of students and healthcare professionals, led by Professor Debra Barnett and Dr. Susan Barnes, will travel to northeastern Oklahoma and the Cookson Hills Center. Students will work and serve people of northeastern Oklahoma, primarily Native Americans who are members of the Cherokee tribe. The Cookson Hills Center is a project of the United Methodist Church and offers social, educational and spiritual services to those in need. Students will be involved with a number of health initiatives and will take time to explore the surrounding area and the area's Native American culture.

Number of Students: 16–20 students, plus 2–3 faculty and 1–3 primary care providers

Cost: $275.00 per student

Credit Hours: If you are an OCU student and would like to earn college credit for the trip, you can obtain 1–3 credit hours by enrolling in NURS 3701-3 (Servant Leadership: A Transcultural Approach) for undergraduate credit or in NURS 6001-3 (Independent Study) for graduate credit. The cost of the course is an additional expense above the cost of the mission trip.

All majors are welcome! We need students to serve as photographers, musicians, teachers, organizers, translators and much more. We will find a place for you!

International Trip

To be announced.