Nursing students gain hands-on clinical experience while providing health screenings at Special Olympics

BSN students Olivia Seurer and Emily Nguyen volunteer at the Health Promotion station during the Special Olympics

When the Special Olympics USA Games brought more than 3,000 athletes to the University of Minnesota campus in June, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students stepped up alongside local healthcare volunteers to deliver essential care.

They provided care through two core initiatives: the Athlete Medicine program—which managed dorm clinics and a 24/7 urgent care center at Pioneer Hall—and the Healthy Athletes program. In the Healthy Athletes program, students conducted screenings and provided health-related education across multiple disciplines, including podiatric evaluations (Fit Feet), physical therapy assessments (Fun Fitness), mental health screenings (Strong Minds), vision testing (Opening Eyes), and physical health and habits screenings (Health Promotion).

Meeting people where they are

For senior BSN student Olivia Seurer, volunteering at the Health Promotion station provided a hands-on lesson in preventive health. The station offered screenings for bone density, blood pressure and body mass index. It addresses a critical need: research shows that 50% of Special Olympics youth athletes are overweight or obese, and 26% of Special Olympics adult athletes have low bone density and increased risk for bone fracture.

Seurer assisted athletes with advanced ankle machines to evaluate bone density—a key indicator for future osteoporosis risks—while volunteering collaboratively with practicing podiatrists. Yet, the most profound lessons extended beyond the technology.

“Last year I was in a public health clinical, and one of the biggest takeaways was never assuming someone has regular access to healthcare,” Seurer says. “It’s about meeting the athlete or the patient right where they’re at.”

Between testing stations, athletes proudly displayed their freshly won medals, traded state opening ceremony pins, and shared stories of victory. For Seurer, who already volunteers in an emergency department and has experience in group homes, the event reinforced a passion for patient-centered care. “I love the patient interaction,” she says. “Hearing each athlete’s story and providing meaningful care was incredibly rewarding.”

Psychiatric Mental Health DNP student Brittany Monte applied her advanced clinical training at the Strong Minds station.

Nurturing strong minds

At the Strong Minds station, Psychiatric Mental Health DNP student Brittany Monte, BSN, RN, applied her advanced clinical training to an often-overlooked aspect of athletic performance: psychological wellbeing. Data indicates that 62% of Special Olympics athletes rely on avoidant coping strategies during stress, while only 26% utilize active coping mechanisms.

Monte conducted mental health assessments using the Core-LD30 and Warwick Wellness Scale questionnaires to identify athletes needing follow-up care in their home states. Following screenings, athletes explored active stress-relief techniques, including guided breathing, stretching, positive affirmations and coping skill development.

“I was so excited to give back to this community in a way that met my career goals and skills as a future practitioner,” says Monte, who brings 10 years of nursing experience to her DNP studies.

For Monte, the resilience of the athletes left an indelible impression. From an athlete navigating his first airplane ride from South Carolina to a gymnast who demonstrated remarkable self-awareness in managing her mental health toolbox, she was inspired by the athletes. “They were so excited to compete. The energy was inspiring, and it just left you smiling ear to ear,” she says. “It was remarkable to see their strength.”