Samford University's Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing has received a 3M Vision Grant of $46,700 for a program that will enable nursing students to study end-of-life care.

The grant, to be directed by nursing professor Janet Alexander, is for a three-year program entitled "Colleagues in Compassionate Care: A Volunteer Learning Program between Samford University and New Beacon Hospice."

Under the grant, Samford will set up a plan in which nursing students volunteer to provide relief to patients and caregivers at New Beacon Hospice. It was one of five programs funded nationally out of 32 applicants by 3M, a diversified technology company headquartered in St. Paul, Minn.

"The program objectives include enriching the undergraduate curriculum by combining theory and practice experiences related to end-of-life care, and broadening student and faculty understanding of the importance of volunteersim," said Dr. Alexander.

New Beacon Hospice is a nonprofit organization owned by Baptist Health System and St. Vincent's Hospital that offers volunteer support including home visits, shopping, light homemaking chores, yard work, delivering food baskets and other services.

"We are pleased to recognize these colleges for creating visionary programs that move theory into practice by taking learning beyond the classroom and into the community," said Alex Cirillo, staff vice president, 3M Community Affairs and Workforce Diversity.