Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University

By admin, 7 March, 2024

The collaborative effort between Australian and Philippine healthcare institutions continues this year as ten Australian student nurses recently concluded a two-week community immersion in various local communities from December 4 to December 15, 2023. With the aim of fostering cross-cultural learning and enhancing healthcare capabilities, this unique initiative marked a significant milestone as the first-ever face-to-face community clinical placement post-pandemic. The student nurses were accompanied by their clinical instructor from Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia, Mrs. Martina Costello, together with the Arellano University team of faculty and International Nursing Program students.

The first week of immersion started with a tour of Child Haus and Concordia Children’s Services, Inc. in Manila, wherein the ECU student nurses were able to interact with pediatric clients of the said institutions. On the following day, they traveled to the province of Pampanga to conduct a school nursing and medical mission to a distinct Aeta Community in cooperation with the Social Action Center of Pampanga, Inc. (SACOP). To complete the initial week, the ECU student nurses actively participated in the acute and post-operative care of clients across the lifespan at Dr. Jesus A. Datu Medical Center and Kapampangan Development Foundation, Inc.

To continue their meaningful engagement in local communities, the second week of immersion took place in Pangil Laguna where the ECU student nurses collaborated with the doctors, nurses, midwives, and barangay health care workers in conducting immunization programs, feeding programs, and home visits. This approach allowed them to have a closer look into the diverse healthcare needs and challenges faced by community members with different health issues.

The Arellano University team led by Dr. Emerita Mendoza, AU-INP, Director and Prof. Bernadine Navalta, AU Community Coordinator coordinated the placement to ensure the safety of the ECU cohort, AU-INP students and the community members themselves, as well as the educational exchange that underscore mutual learning between the two institutions.

The Community Clinical Placement Program creates a transformative experience for its participants as well as for AU’s partner communities and its members. Edith Cowan University has been sending its Nursing and Midwifery students to undergo the CCPP since 2011. This cross-cultural immersion and collaborative efforts will continue to contribute to resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive healthcare.

– Carla May Gonzales, RN, MAN

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
ECU delegates were welcomed by the faculty and staff of Arellano University in Legarda Campus.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
A short program led by the clients of Child Haus was warmly appreciated by the ECU students. They were able to interview and conduct play activities for its residents.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
ECU students prepared arts and play activities for the kids following an orientation of the programs of Concordia Children’s Services Inc.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
The community activities at Porac, Pampanga began with school nursing for the younger residents of an Aeta Community through the assistance of SACOP, Ms. Rhodora Marie Ocampo, and Mr. Gio Franz Enriquez.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
ECU delegates handed their medical supplies donations to the officers and nurses of Dr. Jesus A. Datu Medical Center in Bacolor, Pampanga.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
It was a unique experience for the students to be able to observe a cataract removal surgery at Kapampangan Development Foundation in San Fernando, Pampanga.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
One of the experts in making leg prostheses discusses its making.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
The second week of immersion started with a courtesy call to Pangil, Laguna’s Municipal Mayor, Hon. Gerald Aritao.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
ECU and AU-INP students teach preschoolers how to control the spread of infection during the actual demonstration of the handwashing technique.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
ECU students serve hot soup to the attendees of the school education as part of their feeding program.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
It’s Immunization Day! One of the ECU students administers oral polio vaccine.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
A quick tour of General Cailles Memorial District Hospital.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
The two-week clinical immersion was concluded with a post-evaluation program also attended by the healthcare providers of Pangil, Laguna.

 

Australian Student Nurses from Edith Cowan University Engage in Two-Week Immersion under the Community Clinical Placement Program of Arellano University
The ECU and AU team were joined by Mr. Francisco Cayco, Chairman and CEO of Arellano University, and Mr. Philip Flores, Director, International Academic Linkages during the farewell lunch.
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Juan Sumulong Campus (AU Legarda/Main)

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