Nursing students to return to South Africa

Students in the program will learn in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University nursing clinic labs. Photo by Professor Jane Bagley

About 10 students will study at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University for the first time since 2010. The program, led by Professor Jane Bagley, will give students a wide-range of experiences and an opportunity to observe care in an acute-care and community setting.  The students will leave during spring break in March and return at the beginning of April.

“We have spent the last few years revising processes and are excited to be returning once again for an amazing student experience,” Bagley said.

She visited Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in spring to explore options for her nursing students and ensure the best experiences are chosen for the students.

The university offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. The university has a state-of-the-art simulation nursing lab along with clinical experience opportunities throughout the community of Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Nursing students can participate in the program in their fifth and final semester of the nursing program. On the trip they will take NURS 406: Nursing Leadership and Management and NURS 411: Nursing Leadership Capstone Practicum.

Mobile clinic

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Students will have the opportunity to work on a mobile clinic that goes out into townships near Port Elizabeth.

Students will have experiences ranging from labor and delivery through older-adult services.

“These wide-ranging experiences will build a foundation of knowledge, critical thinking, prioritization, therapeutic communication, advocacy and a deeper understanding of healthcare disparities, Bagley said. “… Students will have an opportunity to compare and contrast the provision of healthcare and delivery of nursing care from their experiences in Minnesota to their new and expanded experiences in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.”