The Virtual International Elective (VIE) aims to mirror the outcomes of students taking an international elective in person. This includes developing students’ global mindset and cultural competency by creating a sense of ‘being there’. In an increasingly multi-cultural society these qualities are essential to promoting excellence in nursing and a cornerstone of King’s approach to internationalisation.

The use of technology has been in the spotlight during the pandemic. The Student Nursing Times Teaching Innovation Award looks for novel approaches to nursing education that are workable, successful, and potentially sustainable. The outstanding evaluations from the VIE and the additional benefits it offers for widening participation has led to its inclusion in King’s pre-registration nursing curriculum for 2021-22 and possibly beyond.

The project was created and led by Jacqui Boulton, a Lecturer in Adult Nursing and Faculty Lead for student mobility, electives, and global health. Jacqui, a team of King's educators, and colleagues at collaborating institutions from across the six World Health Organisation (WHO) regions of the globe delivered a packed virtual elective programme over four weeks to second year pre-registration nursing students. This equated to 150 clinical hours that they would have gained on a normal elective.

Travelling virtually across the world, Jacqui and her students spent a few days visiting countries in each region to consider the challenges and triumphs of nursing. It was important that students were well prepared before a professional visit to a specific country, as it would be for an actual elective. To achieve this, students completed ‘know before you go’ activities in a specially created travel log (equivalent to the practice learning document they use for their placements). For each country they visited, students reviewed and understood the specific health risks, carrying out research on basic demographics and health challenges.

They had to plan what to pack for their trip and make comparisons between the virtual and actual environment. Regular communications about their journey helped create a spirit of camaraderie and preparedness:

‘Last week involved a lot of travelling and was very intense. We visited seven countries and two WHO Regions! I expect it left you somewhat jet lagged, and I hope you have recovered a little over the weekend! Please take time to replenish your suitcase if needed ensuring you continue to have plentiful supplies of enthusiasm, an enquiring mind and a flexible mindset.’

Activities in different countries included synchronous (live) discussions with students and staff in international nursing faculties, presentations and Q&A’s from nurses who had responded to specific challenges ‘in the field’ (including King’s alumni) and showcasing of our Faculty’s many international research collaborations and other partnerships. There were also small group book and film clubs which helped to create that sense of ‘being there’. Students used Padlet – an online educational tool that allows people to share information in a single place online – to discuss and reflect in a collaborative way.

The winners of the Student Nursing Times Awards will be announced at a ceremony on 4 November. 

If you would like to know more, Jacqui presented this initiative earlier this year at the Kings Teaching & Learning Conference. This session was recorded and will be available soon as a King’s Education (KED) Talk.