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abstract
International nursing programs provide a venue for nurses from many countries to have a dialogue about nursing practice, education, and research. This article provides an overview of a comprehensive international nursing program at a large academic medical center. Two aspects of the international nursing program are addressed: hosting international nurse visitors and facilitating visits of U.S. nurses abroad. The history, objectives, selection of participants, and design of the program are described. A retrospective review of outcomes of the international program is provided based on feedback from participants.
Nurses around the world are facing common issues related to nursing practice and the provision of health care. Collaborative relationships are established and nurses share information about professional nursing practice through international nursing programs. These experiences provide opportunities for nurses to increase their awareness of the global community and grow professionally and personally. This article provides an overview of a comprehensive international nursing program at a large academic medical center.
PROGRAM HISTORY
Exchanging professional knowledge and experience is not a new concept to staff at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Drs. Will and Charlie Mayo, the founders of the clinic, traveled world wide to acquire and share knowledge about patient care. The Mayo brothers also opened their doors to share experiences with colleagues from many countries. The medical center's nurses also value the exchange of knowledge about professional nursing practice. One of the core elements of the Mayo Clinic Department of Nursing's mission is to support educational opportunities in clinical nursing and professional development for nursing staff, affiliated students, and faculty, and regional, national, and international nursing colleagues.
The medical center's international nursing program has two components. The program provides opportunities for nurses from other countries to visit the medical center and facilitates opportunities for Mayo nurses to travel to other countries as participants in volunteer healthcare programs and formal exchange programs, and as presenters at international nursing conferences.
Nurses have been involved in educational exchanges for more than 50 years. The international nursing program had its roots in the 1950s, when nurses from the Philippines came to Rochester, Minnesota. The international nursing program has since expanded to approximately 120 nurse visits each year from all continents of the world.
PROGRAM GOALS
The literature reveals that healthcare issues...