Indiana University Fort Wayne expands students’ knowledge of global healthcare with spring break trip to San Juan de la Maguana.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Indiana University Fort Wayne School of Nursing is providing a cross-cultural nursing experience in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic during IU Fort Wayne’s spring break. Students will not receive academic credit, but it will lay the groundwork for the development of future study-abroad courses.
The trip, made possible by Maria Hines, DNP, Clinical Assistant Professor, and Denise Kneubuhler, DNP, Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean of Academic Programs, is for nursing students to learn and understand the role of a professional nurse in diverse situations, and to appreciate how culture affects healthcare. The goal of the trip is to expand students’ knowledge of global healthcare needs and the importance of providing culturally competent care.
“This weeklong trip will provide our nursing students a completely unique experience compared to what they would be able to receive anywhere else in the United States,” said Dr. Chris Coleman, Associate Dean and professor at Indiana University Fort Wayne’s School of Nursing. “This experience will assist nursing students to be contributors to healthcare in a different country and culture, and not just be observers.”
The university and its students will be working with Solid Rock International, a Christian non-profit 501(c)3 organization focused on transforming the body, mind and soul of the poor in the Dominican Republic. Its mission is to holistically serve the poor by focusing on all aspects of health. Solid Rock has worked with many other universities, including Michigan State, Ohio Northern, Clemson and Ivy Tech Community College. While Solid Rock is a religious organization, students are not required to participate in any religious activities.
A minimum of 13 and a maximum of 20 undergraduate students had to meet eligibility criteria established by the university to attend the trip. Students will be accompanied by three faculty members who have worked with Solid Rock previously. Students and faculty will be packing supplies on February 28 and leaving on March 7.
For more information on Indiana University Fort Wayne’s School of Nursing, please visit https://iufw.edu/nursing/.
About Indiana University Fort Wayne
Indiana University Fort Wayne is known as the area’s premier research and health science university, dedicated to advancing the intellectual growth of the State of Indiana and its residents through research, community engagement, quality educators, and collaboration. To learn more about IU Fort Wayne and their health science programs, please visit iufw.edu.
