Nursing students attend Global Health summer School at Duke University

Two BSc Mental Health Nursing students, Stephanie Luff and Caoimhe McWilliams  were selected to attend the prestigious Global Health summer School at Duke University, spending two and a half weeks studying alongside students from across the world, attending lectures from leading health care academics and experiencing life in North Carolina.

They were part of a class of just under 30 students from seven different countries, sharing their experience of how nursing is taught across the world, as well as looking at current global health issues such as the Zika virus and social care.

During their time, Stephanie and Caoimhe visited an innovative community-based rehabilitation centre, took part in simulated scenarios, such as looking after a patient with the Ebola virus, and  saw the issues of social determinates for health in the area. They also took part in a range of social activities, including attending a baseball game, a bluegrass festival and watching the solar eclipse.

Stephanie and Caoimhe were selected from 20 students who applied, based on a criteria of interviews, academic results and a presentation, and the summer School was funded by the Faculty. 

Stephanie said of the experience:

“We learnt so much, from the lecture, experience and other students. I’ve come back and I’ve put it on my CV, I’ve been talking to people about it. I feel more prepared to start my dissertation, I’ve got different ways of learning and whole host of new knowledge.”

Caoimhe also feels it has helped her be more prepared going into her third year, and for the future:

“It was fantastic. I’ve come back feeling driven and motivated."

The Faculty hope to be able to offer the opportunity again next year.