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Xiaoyun Hu and Minmin Han learn about the capabilities of a patient simulator from nursing student Kim Camp. |
A recent month-long visit of four Chinese nursing students at UNMC not only immersed the students in nursing education and practice, and American culture, it changed myths and perceptions each culture had about the other.
“With this visit we have initiated our exchange with China, and these are our pioneers,” said Sheila Ryan, Ph.D., UNMC College of Nursing professor; Charlotte Peck Lienemann & Alumni Distinguished Chair and director of international nursing education programs.
“The National Center for Cultural Competence defines a culturally competent professional as ‘one who is capable of interacting with people who do not live like, look like, talk like, think like, believe like, act like…. me,’ ” Dr. Ryan said. “It is our hope that we will continue this partnership and flourish as the exchange enriches our lives of our students and faculty and theirs.
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Sheila Ryan, Ph.D., with the nursing exchange students from China, from left: Yun chao Niu, Minmin Han, Huijun Wang, and Xiaoyun Hu. |
The program marked the beginning of a Chinese exchange program for nursing faculty and students. Its first visitors were Chinese nursing students, Yun chao Niu, Minmin Han, Huijun Wang and Xiaoyun Hu, from Shanghai, pop. 18.7 million.
The program, spearheaded by Dr. Ryan, will further broaden the college’s educational programs. Other international exchanges have included Russia, Armenia, Afghanistan and Jordan.
Barely had jet lag worn off before the students launched into their packed schedule. They attended nursing lectures and seminars, practiced clinical nursing skills with patient simulators, learned about nursing education programs, accompanied students on home visits and the Mobile Nursing Center, and attended health seminars and health fairs.
They also toured various public health and hospital facilities in Omaha, Lincoln and Macy, Neb., and learned about serving underserved communities.
At the end of their visit, the students made presentations about what they learned and talked about health care in Shanghai. The students’ discussion about Nebraska culture brought smiles and laughter.
Chelsea Bolton, UNMC nursing student, hosted the students during Easter weekend in her hometown of Lewellen, Neb. There the students, for the first time, drove a car, rode a horse, met a cowboy, participated in an Easter egg hunt and crocheted.
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American and Chinese nursing students pose on the last day of the exchange. From left are: Erin Sydik, Xiaoyun Hu, Huijun Wang, Chelsea Bolton, Yun chao Niu, Minmin Han, and Alison Tysor. |
Bolton agreed. “I knew nothing about China,” she said. “It was interesting to hear about Chinese culture. I learned so much and my family loved it.”
It also reminded Bolton of how she takes open, blue skies and drinking water directly from a water fountain for granted.
This fall, the college is planning to send three or four UNMC graduate students to China for a month. Meanwhile, Dr. Ryan would like to replicate some of UNMC’s research in China as a way to teach their clinical faculty.
Margaret Kaiser, Ph.D., assistant professor, Gerontological, Psychosocial & Community Health Nursing, said the exhange was a great opportunity to learn not only how much nursing education is different but also similar in another part of the world. “I gained a new appreciation for the opportunities in nursing that we have here.”
The exchanges benefit all involved, Dr. Ryan said. “I am convinced it will help us all to ask better questions, to listen better.and to build relationships that will be everlasting. I think it’s just the beginning.”