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Learning Objective 1: 1. Examine international opportunities for clinical placement in an APN program.
Learning Objective 2: 2. Identify ways that an international experience can enhance and chronicle professional development
Description: Students enrolled in the final semester of a faith based university’s online CNS program where the mission is ‘serving the underserved’ were searching for clinical placements where they could use all of their experience and talents. When the earthquake struck Haiti, students wanted to help but could not afford to miss clinical time. Arrangements were made with the school, the recruiting agency, and a physician preceptor who agreed to supervise and evaluate the students as they provided primary care in Haiti. The students were able to complete the required clinical hours and, by sharing their experiences in the Discussion Board, all students enrolled in the course benefitted from the experience.
Outcomes: Students learned about the effects of culture and religion on health; how to use interpreters to diagnose, manage, and teach the patients; how to team up with medical teams from other countries to coordinate care; and, how to be creative with the limited resources they had available. They felt a sense of accomplishment and pride as they knew what they had done benefitted the population. Further, as they developed end-of-course portfolios, they had international experiences and new skills to highlight