BSN Students Participate in University of Michigan School of Nursing Summer Program
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YEREVAN, Armenia — On November 21, 2023, faculty members of the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program received an invitation to nominate two students to participate in a three-week summer program hosted and sponsored by the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) from July 15-31, 2024.
Two junior students, Anahit Arakelyan (BSN ’25) and Natali Sahakyan (BSN ’25), were chosen by BSN faculty members to participate in the program. The nomination was based on the students’ academic performance and their demonstrated potential to make an impact in the nursing field in Armenia. Visiting professors Dr. Nancy Barsamian and Dr. Pamela Grace enthusiastically supported and encouraged the students throughout the application and planning process.
The program featured student participation in the Context of Care I course at UMSN, along with activities such as visits to local clinics, campus tours, excursions, cultural-exchange-related activities, and orientation sessions. Furthermore, students were introduced to enhanced nursing skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice. Some of the presented topics included the ecological model framework, social determinants of health, respect and professionalism, and patient-centered care, among others. These key focus areas were crucial in shaping the students’ understanding of advanced nursing practices and the importance of working closely with healthcare professionals from various disciplines.
After completing the program, students were encouraged to apply the clinical skills, interdisciplinary collaboration abilities, and evidence-based practices they acquired during the program. The knowledge and experiences gained through this program will allow the students to opt for improving patient care in their healthcare settings, advocate for health equity, and continue their professional development. “Exposure to international healthcare standards are key experiences for our BSN students to make sense of the knowledge gained in class and start implementing actual nursing practice changes in the workplace,” commented BSN Program Chair Dr. Nour Alayan.
Upon their return to Armenia, Arakelyan and Sahakyan sought to share their motivational stories, knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned with their classmates and newly admitted nursing students at AUA. BSN faculty organized a welcome event, during which the duo had the opportunity to individually deliver interesting and informative presentations that aroused the interest of the new students in participating in similar programs in the future.
“We loved our time at the University of Michigan’s nursing summer school. It was a life-changing experience filled with deep learning and personal growth. The incredible knowledge we gained and the unforgettable connections we forged have inspired us to bring positive change and compassion to patient care back home in Armenia,” shared Arakelyan.
The AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.
