HCL International sponsor two nursing students to go to America

HCL International will fund two second year BSc nursing students at the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, King's College London to embark on an exchange with the University of Pennsylvania, USA. This will be the first sponsored programme of its kind within nursing education.

Mick Whitley, HCL International’s Managing Director comments, "HCL International specialise in placing permanent healthcare professionals across the globe. As an organisation that provides nurses the opportunity to experience career progression and different working cultures in a variety of worldwide locations, this exchange programme ensures HCL International can extend this opportunity for nursing students that have not yet qualified".

Alison While, Professor of Community Nursing from Kings College, comments:  ‘This programme will give students an international perspective of nursing, and the opportunity to undertake clinical placements in other health systems. We believe this experience will strengthen their ability to adapt to new working environments, and improve their interpersonal skills as a result.’

The students who were selected for acceptance on the programme were especially keen to take part in this exchange; one student commented: ‘The experience will most certainly enhance my career prospects as I will have an international edge and a wider perspective on nursing.’

The programme was well received across the College with four students short-listed. Interviews took place on Thursday 8th May, with the interview panel comprising of two College representatives and a representative from HCL International.

Aside from having an exemplary academic and clinical record, the panel were looking for a real passion for a chance to experience a new culture and working environment and to indicate how they feel such an experience would add to their professional development within nursing.

The successful students will be spending the Autumn 2008 term at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.  They will undertake coursework in clinical nursing at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, a large academic research hospital, as well as classroom work involving content on leadership in the profession with a focus on healthcare safety.
 
Dr Sarah Kagan, Programme Coordinator for the exchange at Penn Nursing School comments: ‘‘We are very excited about our exchange program with foreign nursing students.  The fresh perspectives these students bring are a vital part of our mission of engaging current and future nurses in discussions about the essence of nursing and how it translates into practice here in the US as well as around the world.’

Mick Whitley says, "Such an opportunity is invaluable in grasping a real understanding of nursing methods across two very separate working cultures and environments. The experience will  both broaden and heighten the students professional and personal lives. Nursing students at the Penn school of nursing will also benefit from this exchange".