King's nurses visit USA in first exchange of its kind
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Students at the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery are embarking on an exchange with the University of Pennsylvania, USA as part of the first sponsored programme of its kind within nursing education. King’s nursing students will spend a term at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, in a programme that involves clinical work at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, a large academic research hospital, and classroom work on leadership and healthcare safety.
“It’s always been my ambition to work in America, and get a real understanding of nursing in different cultures and clinical environments,” commented Georgia Platman, a second year BSc nursing student at King’s who is travelling to the University of Pennsylvania in September this year. “The programme gives me a strong international outlook and will accelerate my future career progression.”
Alison While, Professor of Community Nursing & Associate Dean (External Affairs) commented: “This exchange programme has been designed to expand a student’s awareness of global health and nursing trends, and enhance their professional development. We believe this experience strengthens their ability to adapt to new working environments, and boosts their interpersonal skills.”
Dr Sarah Kagan, Programme Coordinator for the exchange at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing commented: ‘‘We are very excited about our exchange programme with King’s College London – particularly given our shared values around an ethically educated, highly developed and globally aware nursing workforce.”
Students were shortlisted to participate in the programme following a rigorous selection process. The successful applicants were required to have an exemplary academic and clinical record, as well as a real passion to experience a new culture and working environment. The programme is sponsored by HCL International, a global healthcare recruitment organisation.
The Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery offers nursing students the opportunity to study abroad and experience clinical work in other countries as part of all programmes. For more information contact Alison While on (0)207 848 3022 or email alison.while@kcl.ac.uk.
