In the spring of 2024, a group of nursing students from the University of Texas at Arlington embarked on an educational and unique journey through Italy. Led by faculty members from the College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI), including Ann Eckhardt, Keri Draganic, and Tamara Eades, the students visited Rome, Florence, and Pisa to learn about healthcare and nursing from an international perspective.
The trip was a valuable opportunity for the students to immerse themselves in Italian culture while exploring its national health system and ancient medical practices. They gained insights into different healthcare delivery systems and cultural differences that will benefit their future nursing practice. Lindsey McDavid, a UTA master’s student in nursing education, emphasized the importance of understanding global perspectives in healthcare education. She believes that firsthand experiences in different cultures are essential for improving patient outcomes and developing cultural sensitivity.
This was the fourth short-term travel abroad experience organized for CONHI graduate nursing students. Previous destinations included London, Switzerland, and France. Through these trips, students have had the opportunity to learn from local healthcare professionals, explore different healthcare systems, and gain a deeper understanding of cultural diversity. This global perspective will be crucial for their future nursing practice in a diverse state like Texas and a nation that is becoming increasingly multicultural.
The trip allowed the students to see how healthcare is delivered differently in Italy compared to other countries they had previously visited. They were able to observe how nurses interact with patients in hospitals and clinics as well as how patients receive care outside of traditional medical settings like community centers or schools.
One particular highlight of the trip was when they visited a hospital that specialized in treating patients with rare genetic disorders. The students were able to meet with physicians who specialize in this area of medicine as well as observe how patients are treated using specialized equipment and techniques.
Overall, the trip was an eye-opening experience for the students that will have lasting effects on their future careers as nurses.
The international trip also gave them an opportunity to reflect on their own cultural backgrounds and how they can apply those experiences to their work with diverse populations. As one student put it “I never realized how much I take my culture for granted until I saw how others embrace theirs.”
In conclusion, this unique experience provided these UTA nursing students with valuable insights into different healthcare delivery systems and cultural differences. The trip has equipped them with knowledge that will benefit their future careers as nurses by enhancing their cultural competence which is vital for working effectively with diverse populations especially in Texas where there is a growing Hispanic population.
