Jan 04 2012

Nursing Students Visit United Nations

Old Westbury, N.Y.   (January 4, 2012)  ̶  With an enlightening visit to the United Nations fresh on their minds, several NYIT nursing students say global awareness and education are crucial elements of their profession.

“The trip gave us the opportunity to broaden our horizons and see nursing in a global perspective,” said Christian Velez, who recently joined 23 classmates and four NYIT professors on a private tour of the United Nations and a delegate briefing.  “Teaching is a necessary skill whether you’re in a one-on-one conversation with your patient or teaching a small community in a foreign nation about health promotion. It is a major part of the job description of the nurse whether practicing in a local or in an international level.”

Dr. Maureen Cardoza, an assistant professor of nursing and a representative of the International Society of Nursing initiated the inaugural U.N. visit for the senior students.  The idea, she said, was to acquaint them with the U.N’s mission and global health initiatives, particularly the Millennium Development Goals.  The students also discussed issues that affect global health, including poverty, malnutrition, unclean drinking water, lack of education, landmine clearing, and the use of children as soldiers.     

“These senior students will become tomorrow's leaders and advocates for underserved and marginalized populations,” said Dr. Susan Neville, chair of NYIT’s Department of Nursing.  “It is imperative that their philosophy of health care and professional nursing include caring and concern globally.”

Student Jenna Callahan, said the trip illustrated the dependency underdeveloped nations have on the United States and healthcare professionals.  She also noted the need for basic healthcare to reduce the spread of communicable diseases. 

“The old statement ‘knowledge is power’ applies to multiple aspects of our lives but holds such a different meaning for those in healthcare,” said Callahan. “Awareness, education, and primary health provision continue to be among the most critical aspects of our profession.”

Student Jeannette Cruz said nurses must support the populations they treat, respond to community needs, and help prevent illness through education. 

“You get a strong sense of citizenship (at the United Nations) and leave with a feeling like you want to help make a change that has a positive effect worldwide,” said Cruz.