Cheryl Corbett
Brigham Young University, USA
Title: Connections and collaborations: developing a global health nursing program
Biography
Biography: Cheryl Corbett
Abstract
Purpose: To describe the challenges and successes of developing a multi-site global health program through an effective process of global connections and collaboration.
Background: An increasing emphasis is placed on educating nursing students to develop greater cultural respect. One method to foster this is for nursing programs to incorporate a global health program into the undergraduate curriculum. The process of developing and sustaining an international program can be a significant challenge, and this presentation will describe methods to establish successful collaborations.
Description: A university in the western United States has a developed a global health program offering undergraduate nursing students clinical and cultural experiences in various international sites. This successful program has been sustainable for 14 years and currently maintains international sites in India, Tonga, Ecuador, Ghana, Taiwan, Spain, Czech Republic, Finland, Vietnam and Fiji.
To meet course objectives, faculty directors collaborate with government, non-government, private and academic institutions in settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and community agencies. Faculty directors contact and work with organizations that have an established presence in country. Working relationships are created resulting in a network of connections to additional organizations. During the development period, it is essential for directors to visit potential sites and evaluate feasibility and safety.
Outcomes: Collaboration with international partners provides enriching clinical experiences preparing students to deliver culturally appropriate care to diverse populations. Global health immersion programs can benefit students, faculty, communities and partnering organizations.
Conclusions: Challenges are inherent in developing a global health nursing program. An essential key to the success and sustainability of each site is the global collaborations with in-country organizations.