building vaccine confidence | An initiative to strengthen public trust in vaccines | #BuildingVaxConfidence

Florida State University

To empower and boost vaccine confidence, the nursing school provided new learning resources and strategies on the value of motivational interviewing by using mHealth technology, panel discussions, testimonials, brochures/pamphlets, videos, and social media in undergraduate and graduate core courses. In addition, nursing students engaged in conversations with community members and others who were hesitant by partnering with Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and serving on the church’s mobile health unit. The mobile unit was deployed with nursing students and nurses trained in motivational interviewing and mHealth technology to boost vaccine confidence in medically and financially underserved communities and provide resources highlighting factual information on COVID-19 vaccines.

Curriculum Resources

Virtual Motivation Interviewing trainings were provided by Behavioral Change Consulting. The target audiences for the Motivational Interviewing trainings were undergraduate and graduate nursing students at all the colleges and schools of nursing in Tallahassee, Florida.

Learning Opportunities

Florida State University contracted with Behavioral Change Consulting to provide training for the director of the simulation lab and the project lead to become Motivational Interviewing Champions. As Motivational Interviewing Champions, they lead motivational interviewing activities for nursing students in the classroom and simulation environments.

Media and Outreach Strategies

 

Florida State University developed and disseminated educational flyers regarding COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. The flyers were distributed at community events, churches, and healthcare facilities and to incoming nursing students and students in the Center for Academic, Retention, and Enhancement (CARE). The CARE program is comprised of first-generation college students throughout Florida.

Social Media Strategies

Download Social Media Strategies Handout

Florida State University created videos for Tik Tok, Instagram, and Twitter. To view the videos, click here.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

With the goal of having the greatest impact on vaccine confidence and increasing the number of empowered nursing students, Florida State University’s project was opened to students from all nursing programs in Tallahassee, Florida. Graduate and undergraduate nursing students were recruited from the following institutions:

  • Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University - four-year BSN
  • Tallahassee Community College - two-year BSN
  • Keiser University - fast track and accelerated BSN and associate degree
  • Licely Technical College - practical nursing program

Two community health and wellness fairs were held at the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church with community partners to combat vaccine hesitancy and promote wellness. During the events, Florida State University distributed educational flyers and community members had the opportunity to receive COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, students interviewed attendees regarding their thoughts, barriers, and facilitators for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The events included food trucks and entertainment.

Success Stories

Due to the project, the College of Nursing has sustained partnerships with Bethel Missionary Baptist Church as well as the other nursing programs in Tallahassee, Florida. The sustained partnerships with the other programs of nursing will allow for future collaborations on various projects. Additionally, the new partnership with Behavioral Change Consulting will sustain the use of motivational interviewing in the College of Nursing for the students, faculty, staff, and the community.

School at a Glance

Map of Florida with a Star marking Tallahassee

  • Location: Tallahassee, Florida
     
  • School Type: Public University
     
  • Partners:
    • Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
    • Neighborhood Medical Center
    • Big Bend Area Health Education Center
    • Second Harvest Food Distribution
    • Florida Blue Insurance
    • Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority
    • Tallahassee Urban League
    • 100 Black Men of Tallahassee
    • Big Bend Hospice
       
  • Faculty Contact: Dr. Sabrina L. Dickey

photo of project participants