Here are the International Nursing Opportunities for Spring 2011.
MANAGUA, NICARAGUA
Title: Pediatric Clinical Experience in Managua, Nicaragua
Location: La Escuelita Managua, Nicaragua
YSN Faculty coordinator: Pat Ryan-Krause, Mikki Meadows-Oliver
Site Preceptors: same
This is the fifth year of an ongoing commitment from YSN to provide complete health screenings for the children of La Escuelita and to develop a referral and follow-up system for identified health issues. In addition to the health assessments, a strong educational component for teachers and parents is developing so that in this environment of extreme poverty and limited access to health care, basic needs may be met by parents and teachers. Based on needs identified over the past 4 years and at the request of teachers and our community liaison, expansion of services this year will include mental health evaluations and on-site small groups and the development of a neighborhood health fair for families in the neighborhood of La Escuelita.
HONG KONG, CHINA
Title: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the APN
Location: Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Nursing (HKPU), Hong Kong, China
YSN Faculty Coordinator: Pat Jackson Allen, RN, MS, PNP, FAAN
Site Preceptor: Pat Jackson Allen, RN, MS, PNP, FAAN
Site Faculty: Sunshine Chan
This international program will offer YSN advanced practice students an opportunity to explore Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its relationship to “Western” medicine. Chinese health and illness beliefs and management plans for common conditions will be presented and compared with western beliefs and medical practices. Integration of beliefs and treatment modalities for a holistic approach to health care will be stressed. In addition, students will have an opportunity to develop traditional Chinese assessment skills and compare findings with assessment techniques previously developed in their YSN educational program.
For more information on these programs, please contact YSN Center for International Nursing Scholarship and Education. http://nursing.yale.edu/Centers/International/
The trip to Nicaragua was one of the best experiences of my life. I left feeling hopeful about the future of these families. Despite the current social and political turmoil in the country, the children at “La Escuelita” were happy. Their parents exhibited a great amount of perseverance just to survive each day. I learned a lot from our preceptors, who were knowledgeable and resourceful in finding solutions for the healthcare problems in the school. I realize more than ever that as Nurse Practitioners, we have so much to offer our patients and we have a responsibility to the global community.
