Nursing Beyond the Classroom
Each year, the Global Nursing Education program offers students the opportunity to combine adventure with education during Spring Break. This year, our students traveled across the pond to Germany, visiting Munich, Nuremberg, Erlangen, and Bamberg – being able to fully immerse themselves in German culture.
The group consisted of 13 nursing students, including four students in our Master’s Entry to Practice Nursing Program, Dr. Kelly Niermeier and the Global Nursing Education coordinator, Dr. Stephanie Armstong. One of the most memorable experiences for the students was engaging with nursing students at the Lutheran University of Applied Sciences, where the College of Nursing has maintained a partnership for over 10 years.
A highlight of the trip included touring the University Medical Hospital in Erlangen (Universitätsklinikum Erlangen) and visiting the Siemens Healthineers MedMuseum. Students were also able to explore several significant historical and cultural landmarks, including:
- Historic Walled City of Nuremberg
- Old Town Bamberg
- The Nazi Party Rally Grounds & Documentation Center
- The Marienplatz / The Glockenspiel
- Viktualienmarkt
- The Centre for Care Counselling (Pflegestützpunkt)
- The Nursing Home St. Laurence (Lorenzstift)
Among the many memorable experiences, one student, Kerrigan Drew, shared what stood out most to her during the trip: "I would say my favorite part was getting to experience a meal in a German home. The professor that hosted our trip, Jürgen, made dinner for our group and it was exciting to get that experience. It’s not typically an experience you would have if you were to travel alone or for a trip. I think it was an amazing and unique opportunity to get a glimpse of German culture and customs in the home setting. The meal he made was also my favorite of the whole week! "
Looking ahead, the program is in the final stages of establishing a new program in Paris that will run as a Fall 2025 course with travel to Paris taking place immediately following final exams so students will be back in time for the Christmas and New Years holidays. Stay tuned for more!
Studying abroad offers our nursing students an invaluable opportunity to expand their understanding of other cultures. Our recent trip to Germany provided firsthand experience with an international health care system, allowing students to observe diverse clinical practices, enhance their critical thinking skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for global health perspectives. These experiences not only enrich their education but also prepare them to provide more compassionate and culturally sensitive patient care in an increasingly interconnected world.
