College of Nursing International Opportunities for Nursing Students

International Agreement between
South Dakota State University and Manchester Metropolitan University

South Dakota State University College of Nursing entered into an agreement with Manchester Metropolitan University to facilitate an exchange of students and faculty between the two universities.  The mission statement reflects a commitment to "promote environments conducive to international sharing of ideas, discussion, learning practices and joint working programs to facilitate a spirit of unity, a sense of cooperative responsibility and tangible experiences that will have an effect upon both the practitioner and client in the 'real world' of today, tomorrow and beyond (Declaration of Intent, p.1)". 

 

Manchester Metropolitan University assisted in the support of four nursing students and one faculty member in May of 1998 and May of 2000.  The College of Nursing assisted in the support of four students (three undergraduate and one graduate) and two faculty members to travel to Manchester Metropolitan University in March of 1999 and six students (five undergraduate and one graduate) and three faculty members in March of 2000 and four students and three faculty in March of 2001.  These visits were successful in building greater understanding by faculty and students of the social and cultural differences in the health care system of both the United Kingdom and the United States. 

Student and Faculty Selection Process

Selection of students was based on a competitive essay submitted to a committee at the College of Nursing.  Students selected were awarded $1,000.00 to facilitate travel from the College of Nursing.  Faculty also submitted competitive essays and was awarded $1,000.00 to facilitate travel.  Many faculty also took advantage of Title III: Innovative Journey Bush travel grants which awarded an additional $500.00 to $1,000.00 toward the travel experience.

Clinical Sites

Examples of clinical sites in Manchester, England were: 

• Emergency Room (A & E) at Hope Hospital, 
• St. Mary's Children's Hospital
• Home visits with Health Visitors in rural and urban sites
• Mental Health Units to include Forensic facilities and prisons
• MASH unit for working with prostitutes on the street

Examples of clinical sites in South Dakota were:

• Hutterite Colony
• Native American Reservation and Indian Health Service Clinic
• Home health visits with Community Health Nurse
• Urban regional hospital and emergency room to include trauma flight orientation
• University Student Health Center

Objectives and Evaluation

Generation of objectives by students and faculty were essential to structure and process of this travel experience. Objectives were used to formulate clinical experiences for faculty and students as well as provide direction for faculty to enhance student experiences. Communication with lead faculty at each university began with an understanding of these objectives so appropriate sites could be selected to help meet the criteria. Students and faculty are expected to deliver presentations about this experience. Presentations are to be centered around a summary and evaluation by the students and faculty of these objectives.