University of Pennsylvania, USA

Pik-Kwan Cheung
Yan-Pui Choi
Nicolette Lau
Kit-Ying Ng
Wai-Han Tse
Sum-Yi Yeung
Year 4 Bachelor of Nursing (Full-time) students

We enjoyed a memorable two-week exchange programme at the School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). This nursing school is ranked number one in the world and the UPenn nursing students have strong support from their school and their teaching hospital (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP)). There are substantial simulation labs and boot camps, the labs have actual IV infusion pumps and ceiling hoist installed for students to practice with, and each student is provided with an access code so they can familiarise themselves with their patient’s case before clinical consultation.

We also enjoyed attending the lectures. The learning atmosphere was good and everyone was willing to express their views and learn from each other. The lecturer also encouraged us to speak up and raised questions regarding perioperative care and functional status. We loved the interaction during classes and made lots of friends with our classmates.

We were honoured to have this exchange opportunity because it helped us to gain more understanding of the American medical system, clinical setting and culture. Nurses in the US have much more autonomy and independence in general and there is greater respect for the nursing profession. This exchange reminded us why we want to be nurses in the first place. As healthcare professionals, not only do we empathise with our patients in both their physical and psychological healing, but we also acknowledge the importance of holistic wellbeing for caretakers and healthcare workers.