O PAPEL DA EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA NA FORMAÇÃO DO PROFISSIONAL DE SAÚDE

Abstract

This article, through a descriptive methodology, reports the experience of a nursing student from a Brazilian public university and participant in the project Health Promotion for Animals, Humans, and the Environment. As a result, it was observed that being part of an extension project and working with diverse groups fosters the development of competencies and skills such as communication, leadership, understanding of the health-disease process, ability to work in teams, and a sensitive perspective toward individual differences—fundamental characteristics for work in the health field. The experience had a positive impact on the education of students, contributing to both personal and professional development. The relevance of extension programs is emphasized as a fundamental pillar of Brazilian public universities in the training of professionals, aiming to strengthen social commitment and professional responsibility.