Serving Patients around the World
Carolina's Nursing Global Clinical Practicum prepares students to address patient needs in a global setting and according to their culture, race, ethnicity or religion.
Carolina's Nursing Global Clinical Practicum prepares students to address patient needs in a global setting and according to their culture, race, ethnicity or religion.
There are some skills you simply cannot learn in the classroom.
UNC’s School of Nursing offers a Nursing Global Clinical Practicum that prepares students to address the needs of individuals, families and communities in a global setting and according to their culture, race, ethnicity or religion.
In summer 2019, Amanda Atkins ’22 and Mary Elise Monroe ’20 traveled to Spain, where they attended an international summer school program at the University of Navarra in Pamplona and shadowed nurses from different specialties at the Hospital Universitario del Sureste in Madrid.
“This course helped me understand that there are important nuances in the way diverse cultures view family, faith and health care in general,” said Mary Elise. “I know that I need to be mindful before going into my patients’ rooms and how I need to be conscientious of cultural preferences.”
This global experience plays an integral role in educating the next generation of nurse leaders, providing the tools and confidence to serve patient populations across the state, the country and the globe. Many participants receive funding from the Johnston Global Fund or the Cronenwett Global Health Scholar Award, which makes this valuable educational experience more accessible.
Mary Elise’s time in Spain gave her a glimpse into what diversity in health care encompasses. “This experience gave me a newfound passion for patient teaching and advocacy.”
Amanda appreciated the opportunity to explore the “beautiful and historic sites of Spain” while attending classes, touring local hospitals and taking part in clinical simulations — “I can’t wait to see where my nursing career will take me next.”