The Experiential Nursing Program, provided by University of Technology Sydney: BUiLD (Beyond UTS International Leadership Development) is allowing 20 students to experience and gain an understanding of how global economic development influences healthcare in developing countries. The program will allow for immersion into life in busy Bangkok, attending lectures and participating in volunteer projects. We will be taken into Bangkok's largest public and private hospitals to explore the vast needs and challenges of the Thai healthcare system: issues and ethics in delivering care; economic growth; responding to natural and humanitarian crises; and the rise of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, as well as medical and sex tourism.
The lecture topics include:
- Introduction to the Thai healthcare system: Ministry of Public Health
- The role and development of nursing in Thailand: Thai National Council of Nursing
- The rise of medical tourism: Bumrungrad Hospital
- Training nurses for community care: Faculty of Nursing, Assumption University
- Moral competence - Buddhism and nursing practice: Bangkok Hospital
- Maternity care: Vejthani Hospital
- Child care in the community: Slum Child Care Foundation
- Treating the AIDS epidemic in sex-tourism districts: UNAIDS
- Tsunamis and crises - Disaster care in Thailand: The Red Cross
My current knowledge of nursing in Thailand.
I am yet to travel to Thailand, or overseas at all! The extent of my knowledge of Thailand and its health care systems is quite limited; however, some quick research has highlighted some interesting facts. I learnt that Thailand has a system that supports universal health care which focuses on primary care, and that nurses are significant providers of these health care services and play an essential role in enhancing the health of the community, particularly in remote areas. Also, despite access to improved drinking water and sanitation, there is still concern about infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, dengue fever, hepatitis and rabies.
My expectation of the program.
I am extremely excited to be traveling overseas (particular to Thailand) and can't wait to experience different environments and cultures. I expect to gain a greater understanding of Thailand's current health care systems, encompassing: potential advances in medicine and nursing; health concerns, needs, and socio-cultural factors unique to differing populations in Thailand and the impact of these on individuals, populations, and health care systems; and appreciate how health care practices differ to those that are standard in Australia's health care.
I also expect to be challenged by being immersed in an unfamiliar culture. This will compel me to be aware of my own beliefs, customs and attitudes, and to be extremely open-minded and respectful whilst conducting myself in a culturally safe and appropriate manner. I hope to reach a point of cultural competence and understand how different religious and beliefs can impact on the health care I provide, particularly in the multicultural context of Australia.
I hope for this experience to positively influence my academic studies and my future career as a Registered Nurse. I look forward to developing a greater appreciation of the role of the nurse, particularly community nursing (which is one of many areas of interest of mine), and the implications of their role on the health of the locals in remote areas. Important personal attributes that I feel would benefit my studies and future career are: widening my therapeutic communication skills, written, verbally and non-verbally; flexibility and adaptability to differing and challenging clinical situations; and enhancing my critical thinking skills to allow for effective clinical judgement. Most importantly, I think that this nursing program will allow for self-awareness and self-reflection, with identification of gaps in my knowledge provide direction for future clinical investigation - allowing me to carry on my quest to become a competent, confident and efficient health care provider.
What now?
I should mention now that I have Kate to thank for this amazing experience - she was the voice inside my head and encouraged my decision to apply. Kate is one of the most down-to-earth people I know and I am extremely lucky to consider her a close friend, so I was ridiculously excited when we were both accepted into this program!
On June 27, Kate and myself fly to Thailand! We decided to check in three days early to enjoy some tourist time in Bangkok before meeting the 18 other students on the morning of June 30. Flights and accommodation have been booked, so now I must survive the next 4 weeks of clinical placement! Bring it on!
I am extremely excited to be traveling overseas (particular to Thailand) and can't wait to experience different environments and cultures. I expect to gain a greater understanding of Thailand's current health care systems, encompassing: potential advances in medicine and nursing; health concerns, needs, and socio-cultural factors unique to differing populations in Thailand and the impact of these on individuals, populations, and health care systems; and appreciate how health care practices differ to those that are standard in Australia's health care.
I also expect to be challenged by being immersed in an unfamiliar culture. This will compel me to be aware of my own beliefs, customs and attitudes, and to be extremely open-minded and respectful whilst conducting myself in a culturally safe and appropriate manner. I hope to reach a point of cultural competence and understand how different religious and beliefs can impact on the health care I provide, particularly in the multicultural context of Australia.
I hope for this experience to positively influence my academic studies and my future career as a Registered Nurse. I look forward to developing a greater appreciation of the role of the nurse, particularly community nursing (which is one of many areas of interest of mine), and the implications of their role on the health of the locals in remote areas. Important personal attributes that I feel would benefit my studies and future career are: widening my therapeutic communication skills, written, verbally and non-verbally; flexibility and adaptability to differing and challenging clinical situations; and enhancing my critical thinking skills to allow for effective clinical judgement. Most importantly, I think that this nursing program will allow for self-awareness and self-reflection, with identification of gaps in my knowledge provide direction for future clinical investigation - allowing me to carry on my quest to become a competent, confident and efficient health care provider.
What now?
I should mention now that I have Kate to thank for this amazing experience - she was the voice inside my head and encouraged my decision to apply. Kate is one of the most down-to-earth people I know and I am extremely lucky to consider her a close friend, so I was ridiculously excited when we were both accepted into this program!
On June 27, Kate and myself fly to Thailand! We decided to check in three days early to enjoy some tourist time in Bangkok before meeting the 18 other students on the morning of June 30. Flights and accommodation have been booked, so now I must survive the next 4 weeks of clinical placement! Bring it on!
