Students from the Department of Nursing at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) completed a global nursing education program at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, strengthening their international competencies.

Professors Hye-young Kim and Hyung-eun Jang of the College of Nursing, eight undergraduate students (Se-young Kang, A-in Kim, Joo-hyun Seo, Ga-hee Shim, Ji-hye Yang, Ji-yoon Yoo, Dae-sung Lee, Ah-young Cho) and two graduate students (Eun-young Kim, Yoo-jin Park) visited the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in Wisconsin last October.

This training was implemented as a 'PBL (Project-Based Learning)' program under JBNU's Glocal University Development Project Group. It was designed to strengthen Department of Nursing students' global and cultural competencies and to provide them with experience of international nursing practice.

Students attended lectures given by the nursing faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, learning about the U.S. health care delivery system, institutional differences with Korea, and the role of nurses. In particular, they discussed healthcare challenges facing the United States together with local students and exchanged diverse perspectives.

A-in Kim said, "Through this visit I was able to directly learn about the cultural and healthcare system differences between Korea and the United States, and the experience of discussing the future of nursing with local students has become a great asset."

They also toured UWM's simulation center and took time to compare and analyze it with the clinical training environment at JBNU's College of Nursing. Through this, they noted a major difference: in the United States, the NP (nurse practitioner) system, which allows diagnosis and prescription, emphasizes nurses' autonomy and critical thinking. Accordingly, simulation education places greater emphasis on developing reasoning skills rather than merely acquiring technical procedures.

In particular, students practiced practical problem-solving skills required in real settings by setting scenario-based cases of issues that could arise in global healthcare, and seeking evidence-based solutions through team discussions and collaboration.

They also exchanged in-depth views on topics such as the structure of medical expenses and the social status of nurses between the two countries through presentations and roundtable discussions with local students and faculty on Korea's healthcare system, the National Health Insurance system, the structure of medical institutions, and recent changes in health policy.

They also visited Milwaukee Catholic Home and Columbia St. Mary’s Ascension Hospital, which have cooperative relationships with UWM, to observe firsthand the U.S. clinical processes, nurse task allocation, and patient record management systems.

Ji-hye Yang said, "It was impressive to see the actual environment of U.S. hospitals in person and experience the differences in nursing environments. I hope programs like this are expanded in the future so there are more opportunities for diverse experiences."

Professor Hyung-eun Jang of the College of Nursing, who accompanied the students, said, "This global PBL program provided Department of Nursing students an opportunity to broaden their international perspectives and to reaffirm the essence of patient-centered nursing and the importance of professional competencies. We will continue to enhance the global competitiveness of nursing professionals through exchanges with overseas universities."