March 9, 2015

Drexel Nursing students are trained to not only think locally, but globally as well. As part of Drexel’s global initiative and global classroom experience, seven College of Nursing and Health Professions nursing students, along with two faculty members, traveled to Dublin, Ireland in an attempt to broaden their global awareness. The goal of the trip was to engage nursing research students into global research processes, learning about nursing education and clinical practice, Ireland’s healthcare system and Irish culture.

The first day of the trip involved the cultural emulsion experience. Students participated in a guided tour of the Kilmainham Goal prison to learn about the history of the jail. They also visited the Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The day ended with a traditional Irish meal at the popular restaurant, Quays.

The second day involved a meet and greet with five Irish nurse researchers from the Children’s University Hospital on Temple Street, one of Ireland’s largest Children’s hospitals. The nursing students engaged in dialogue regarding clinical research and evidence-based medicine in Ireland as well as how hospitals are generally run. They also met with Professor Paul Horan of Trinity College, where he provided background on nursing education at the College.

Over the next several days, students participated in the 15^th Healthcare Interdisciplinary Research Conference and Student Colloquium. The conference consisted of several keynote speakers who spoke about general nursing topics and specialties including women’s health and midwifery, mental health, pediatrics and intellectual disability. Drexel nursing students also met with Trinity College nursing students with whom they had been communicating via social media throughout the quarter in a Global Classroom.  The in-person meeting offered both parties a chance to discuss the differences between nursing education in the United States and Ireland as well as cultivate future relationships.

The conclusion of the trip afforded more opportunities to experience culture in Ireland. Students toured the Guinness factory, took a horse and carriage ride to a Hooley Dinner/Dance at Arlington, traveled to Galway City, visited the Cliffs of Moher, explored Jameson Distillery, and drove along the Wild Atlantic Way.

According to one student, “This experience was truly exciting.  It made me appreciate all the education and the skills I am fortunate to learn.  This experience broadened my mind and allowed me to expand and see all the different aspects of nursing and nursing research.  I knew I wanted to be a pediatric RN, and this helped reassure myself in knowing that I want to pursue pediatrics!”