Students research History of Nursing at Central Maine Medical Center

2018 May 3

Courtney Porfido of Ramsey, N.J. has partnered with Central Maine Medical Center to chronicle the history of nursing at the hospital as part of her short term program of study at Bates College. The Bates College Short Term is a five-week, intensive period of academic study, research, and exploration for students both on and off campus.

Porfido is part of the Action/Research team working with local nonprofits through the college's Harward Center for Community Partnerships. In coordination with Harward Center staff, the Action/Research team conducts extensive research, including creating and administering surveys, collecting oral histories, and designing volunteer programs. At the conclusion of short term, the students will present a report and recommendations to their community partners.

Porfido's Community Partner, Central Maine Medical Center, serves Androscoggin County and is home to the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute and the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing.

Through interviews with women, many of whom are in their 80s and 90s, who went to the Maine College of Health Professions, CMMC's nursing/imaging school, Porfido and fellow student Matthew Glasgow of Salt Lake City, aim to produce interview transcripts and documentary-style video that capture the experience, viewpoints, and memories of the nurses.