USF Bull Nurses take first summer global experience trip to Scotland

USF Nursing students recently took their first trip to Scotland to complete their summer 2014 global community health experience. Students spent two weeks in Stirling to learn about public health nursing and explore the country’s culture.

This international experience is part of a partnership agreement between USF College of Nursing and University of Stirling School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health (SNMH) established in May 2013. USF Nursing instructor, Debra Gottel, MSN, MHS, RN, led the students during this trip to Scotland.

During the trip, students had the opportunity to visit a local learning disability center, a midwifery unit at a regional hospital, the Clackmannanshire Community Health Center, the Lochview Leaninig Disability Center, the Women and Children’s Center at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, and more.

USF Nursing students take a tour around the Wallace Monument just outside Stirling, Scotland

“The most memorable experience for me was learning about the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) program at the Clackmannanshire Community Health Center,” said nursing student, Emily Morgan. “The FNP is a preventive program available to mothers and their families, 19 years old and older, who are having their first child. It begins early in pregnancy and continues until the child is two years old. The program is free to all participants, and that is just amazing. In fact, all public health care is free in Scotland.”

This global community health experience fulfills students’ six-credit requirement for their community health didactic and clinical courses, an initiative developed through the College’s  POWER with Nursing: Partnership Opportunities for Wellness, Education and Research. 

“My favorite moment on this trip was visiting the learning disability center,” said nursing student Stephanie Roe. “All the nurses and staff were happy to give us a tour and also talked passionately about their career area of learning disabilities nursing. I think it’s interesting that learning disabilities is offered as a specialty in nursing here. It’s great.”

Students also took various exciting educational and cultural tours where they explored cities and mountains. Students visited St. Andrews, Loch Ness and Highlands. A few students including Roe also climbed Arthur’s Seat, the dormant volcano just outside Edinburgh, capitol of Scotland.

USF Nursing students take a hike near lake Loch Katrine, Scotland

“Climbing to the top of Arthur’s Seat was spectacular,” Roe said. “It took us almost two hours to get to the top. It wasn’t the easiest walk up, since I don’t like to hike, but it was worth it. I feel victorious.”

To read more from their amazing experience in Scotland visit their blog: http://usfnurseinscotland2014.wordpress.com/.

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