USF Health News Archives

Nursing Students from University of Panama Arrive Eager to Learn

November 14, 2007 · 3:45 pm

L to R – Visiting from the University of Panama’s Nursing School: Student Celeste Cedeño, Professor Lourdes De Alguero, and Student Liris Castillo.

At the USF College of Nursing, they are marking a milestone in the exchange program with the University of Panama’s Nursing School. In its second year, the “Community Health in Nursing from a Global Perspective” exchange program between the universidad and USF’s College of Nursing saw its first nursing students travel from Panama to the U.S. for a ten day visit at the USF Health campus. Until now, only USF nursing students had made the journey to Panama for the summer exchange program. Fresh off the plane, the delegation was quick to point out what they wanted to see most- the USF College of Nursing Simulation Lab.

“I’ve heard so much about it. I’ve imagined what it looks like”, said 22 year old Liris Castillo, a third year nursing student from Universidad de Panama’s Colegio de Enfermeria. “My professors say we can practice in virtual reality – totally contrary to what we do in Panama!” says Liris in rapid Spanish.

Celeste Cedeño adds “It (the lab) can even simulate a heart attack?! In Panama, we would have to wait for that moment to happen in real life. And then when it does, we, as nursing students, are not allowed to be in the forefront. Only in cases where our help is needed are we allowed up close. Here, it’s super different!” she said with excitement.

While the conversation may sound a bit morbid to a passer-by, it’s indicative of the passion nursing students have to learn and be the best they can be. The Nursing Simulation Lab on the campus of USF Health provides students with a unique hands-on experience in “real time” scenarios – helping them save more lives in the “real world”.

“Practicing in that lab will better prepare me for the moment when the patient is real. When that heart attack happens, I will be more confident about what to do”, said Celeste, also in her third year at the Universidad de Panama.

Liris, who is interested in possibly becoming an obstetric nurse, noted that classmates and professors back home gave her a long list of things to report back on. “Many of my professors asked that we focus on the different methods used to teach the same subject. Let’s see which ones they can adopt in their classes.”

Celeste, who is undecided between specializing in epidemiology or public health, said “They’re specifically interested in everything there is to know about the simulation lab that your nursing students learn in. My professor of mental health asked me to try and remember as much about it as possible. She wants me to describe it in detail when I get back.”

Top Nursing Students from Panama Chosen
The two women from the capital city of Panama were chosen among 8 finalists – top students in the university’s Colegio de Enfermeria. Traveling with them on this inaugural Panama – USF Health student exchange visit was Profesora Lourdes De Alguero, a 16 year professor of Public Health and a 24 year nursing veteran. “This is an excellent opportunity for our students to expand their academic horizons”, said the profesora. “It provides them with new experiences, specifically, teaching them the different ways that nursing students in other countries learn their profession.”

Barring differences of culture and technology, Profesora De Alguero said the foundation of nursing remains universal. “I believe the essence of nursing – the humanitarian aspect of our profession- remains the same no matter where you are learning it”, said Profesora De Alguero.

Sandra V. Cadena, PhD, ARNP, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Director of Global Health in the USF College of Nursing says it’s wonderful to be on the receiving end for a change. Until now, the profesora and her colleagues in Panama have been the ones to host Dr. Cadena and two groups of USF nursing students – first in Summer of 2006, then in the Summer of 2007. “The 10 day educational visit by the Universidad de Panama students and faculty represents the next landmark step in the exchange of knowledge, cultural opportunities and strengthening of the relationship between the two colleges of nursing”, said Dr. Cadena.

“By integrating the visitors into the daily life of a USF nursing student in the classroom, in a variety of clinical experiences and the simulation lab, it creates additional opportunities to enhance research and teaching possibilities between the two universities – moving us closer to the next level of global understanding”, said
Dr. Cadena.

Intense Ten Days
During their ten day visit at USF Health, the delegation from Panama participated in several simulation procedures and “mock codes” at the USF Nursing Simulation Lab, under the direction of the lab’s director Laura Gonzalez. The team also visited several area hospitals. The differences in technology are significant, said the two students from Panama who practice at the Hospital Santo Thomas in their nation’s capital, a facility that dates back to the 1920’s.

Catching Bulls Fever!
And what trip to USF would be complete without an immersion in Bulls fever? To the delight of the profesora, Liris and Celeste their trip was punctuated by the USF Homecoming Night. Trading in their Panamanian white coats for green and gold attire, there was no mistaking. The delegates on the float alongside USF Health students would return home with a severe case of Bulls fever.