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Global Engagement
The College of Nursing aspires that global opportunities for our nursing students and faculty be optimized, streamlined, and provide outstanding opportunities for learning, professional advancement, and research. The College has several active global partners in Central America and the United Kingdom that engage undergraduate students both virtually and in person, when safe to do so. The existing and new collaborations allow faculty to engage in global research opportunities; the College aspires to expand those opportunities as faculty seek global partners whose research areas help establish the College of Nursing as a leader in global nursing research.
Prior to USF cancelling all study abroad travel, one College of Nursing student was able to travel with an interprofessional group to Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). After USF cancelled all in-person study abroad travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College of Nursing pivoted focus to virtual experiences for students. Virtual Study Abroad Sites during academic year 2020-21 were planned between the College of Nursing and Colombia at Colombia (Universidad del Norte [UNINORTE]), and the United Kingdom at Exeter University, England, and the University of Stirling, Scotland.
This collaboration included medical students, nursing students, and faculty from Exeter University, nursing students and faculty from UNINORTE, and students and faculty from the College of Nursing. Planning for a virtual study abroad began in the Fall 2020 semester and was completed in the Spring 2021 semester. These virtual visits focused on discussions on differences among each country’s healthcare systems and how these differences influence Sustainable Development Goals in the three countries.
This collaboration for a virtual study abroad began in the Fall 2020 semester and was completed in the Spring 2021 semester. These virtual visits focused on discussions on differences among each country’s healthcare systems and how these differences influence approaches to natural and man-made disasters in the two countries.
USF Health’s Global Health Student Conversations and USF Health’s Global Health Conversations
The College of Nursing was among the first to host Student Conversations, which are aimed at students and providers.
• Dr. Ivonne Hernandez hosted a conversation entitled “The Pregnancy Journey and Childbirth Experience: Sharing Cross-cultural Perspectives of the US, Colombia, & Mexico” on November 24, 2020. Nursing students from the College of
Nursing and UNINORTE, along with medical students from Universidad Nacional
Autónoma de México (UNAM), participated in this lively discussion. Attendance included 25 students and 3 faculty.
• Dr. Yolanda Torres hosted a conversation entitled “Home-based Care for Chronically Ill Patients and Their Families in Times of a Pandemic.” Nursing students from the College of Nursing, UNINORTE, University of Texas, San Antonio, and
University of Puerto Rico, as well as medicine and physical therapy students from UNAM, participated in this dynamic discussion. Attendance included 27 students and 5 faculty.
• Dr. Barbara Smith hosted a Global Health Conversation for providers entitled
“The Impact of COVID-19 On Health Care Workers Globally” with reports from
Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and South East Asia. The Conversation was moderated by Dr. Yolanda Torres.
• USF Health International also hosted a series called “In their Words,” where students interviewed faculty regarding the COVID-19 global pandemic. Two College of Nursing faculty were interviewed: Dr. Sharlene Smith with Anne Baptiste and Dr. Elizabeth Jordan with Zareena Shafi.
Activities with Coverdell Fellows During the 2020 Fiscal Year
Two fellows graduated in August 2020, both of whom participated in events held at the Wholesome Community Church in Wimauma, Florida for immigrant children.
During academic year 2020-21, two new fellows started. They have volunteered with USF Health Service Corps and with the Senior Friendship Center in Manatee County, which serves the elderly. They have also participated in a USF Health International program that interviews former Peace Corps volunteers and collaborators in Lesotho and Tanzania. COVID-19 restrictions have limited many volunteer hours.
Global Research/ Scholarship
Fulbright US Scholar Award: Singapore, awarded to Ponrathi Athilingam (2020)
Fulbright Global Research Scholar Award: Characterization of Breast Cancer Cases in Panama, completed by Constance Visovsky (2020)
NCI NOSI Grant: Breast Cancer Stigma in Latin America ($125,000 award), submitted by Constance Visovsky in April 2021
Poster presentation at NET2021 Conference: “Disaster Preparedness: A Global Virtual Exchange During a Pandemic,” presented by T. Gwartney,
R. Lutz, M. Fairley-Murdoch, P.
Parsanlal, S. Smith, and I. Hernandez on September 3, 2021
American Academy of Nursing Global Expert Panel Publications Submitted
Moore KS, Huerta C, Stamler LL, Visovsky C, Milstead J, Rosa W. The Global Nursing & Health Expert Panel: The impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. economy, education, and environment. Nursing Outlook; 2021 (in review).
Castañeda-Hidalgo H, Visovsky C, Compeán Ortiz L, Eunice Hernández D, Hilda González N, Milena Campiño S. Nursing’s Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals in Latin America Through Education, Leadership, and Partnerships. Nursing Outlook; 2021 (in press).
Other Publications
Shijun Zhu S, Liu W, Amoroso A, Blanshan S, Guberski T, Iwu E, Kiama B, Lipscomb J, Maimbolwa M, Maro P, Mwakyus S, Omoni G, Smith N, Smith, B. Sharps injuries among nurses and midwives in sub-Saharan Africa. African Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health. 2020;13(1).
College of Nursing faculty made three trips to assess potential sites for Global study abroad for undergraduate and graduate students.
Those sites included: • Universidad del Norte (Uninorte) in Barranquilla, Colombia (Drs. I. Hernandez, B. Smith, and USF Health International staff).
• Universidad Nacional
Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City, Mexico (Dr. B.
Smith and USF Health International staff).
• Partners in Health, Lima Peru (Harvard), Michigan State
University COM, Peruvian
Navy, Iquitos (Drs. B. Smith, S.
Smith)
Although we have been unable to initiate in-person student/ faculty visits to these three sites (UNINORTE, Exeter University, and University of Stirling), we have kept in virtual contact with each. We will be ready to travel once restrictions are lifted.
USF COLLEGE OF NURSING
