Sensitivity to cultural diversity is vital in health care professions, where patient-provider relationships determine quality of care. CNHS students learn and practice cultural competence through studies abroad. Nursing students can choose to study public health nursing and cultural health practices in Belize, Mexico, The Netherlands or Africa.
Last winter break, 12 senior nursing students spent two weeks studying in rural Uganda as part of a course in Public Health Nursing taught by Clinical Lecturer Loretta Charles and Clinical Professor Genell Mikkalson. The group stayed in the village of Kamuli, from where they observed local hospitals.
“Doing their public health practical experience in Uganda helped the students see what public health really is. We were all able to do simple practical things to help make residents’ lives better. Seeing this truth was especially thrilling,” said Mikkalson.
Nursing student Scout Hill ’18 reflected on her experience in this class:
“We were able to spend time within the ‘operating theatre’ (operating room), the maternity ward, medical-surgical ward, and the labor/delivery ward. Having had previous clinical rotations at UVMMC in Burlington, it was fascinating to compare the two experiences, both with the same patient end-goals, however within much different environments and available resources to do so. It was beautiful to see how much Ugandan’s incorporate nature into every aspect of living; many of the wards had large, bright windows, usually wide open to the various lawns/courtyards surrounding the various hospital buildings.”
Kamuli is farm country and the residents experience health problems similar to rural Vermont, making it a great comparison for the CNHS students as they traveled through the countryside. The students provided community health services, presented information on nutrition to children and mothers, and learned about local health hazards. They delivered mango and avocado trees to Ugandan community members for planting on their property and helped residents construct clay kitchen stoves and spoke with them about safe and efficient hygienic practices.
“Not only did I learn an immense amount of information regarding public health nursing, I also learned about culture, and the impact this has on individual health and health care systems,” Hill wrote, adding that she hopes to incorporate what she learned into her future nursing practice, and to share her knowledge with other students. “I hope to see nature become more of a partner in the healing process within the U.S. health care system. I was also amazed at the autonomy of the student nurses in Uganda; every student was very welcoming and excited to interact with us, and had endless questions regarding our school system and our skill requirements.”
Students who study abroad tend to earn higher GPAs upon return, according to the UVM Office of International Education. Studying abroad helps students develop job skills and stand out to prospective employers.
The course, Public Health Nursing in Uganda, is offered each winter for senior nursing students. Additional opportunities to study abroad are offered throughout the year.