UHI welcomes US nursing students for rural healthcare collaboration
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has today (Monday 8 June) welcomed doctoral nursing students and faculty members from Augusta University’s College of Nursing as part of an international collaboration aimed at strengthening the rural healthcare workforce.
The visit forms part of the Rural Nursing Practice International Collaborative, a global research and academic partnership between Augusta University’s College of Nursing and the UHI Centre for Rural Health Sciences.
Led by Dr Heather Bain, Head of Academic Operations at the UHI Centre for Rural Health Sciences, the initiative promotes international exchange and shared learning between advanced practice nursing students and educators working across urban and rural healthcare settings.
During their week-long visit, the students from Augusta University will hear from UHI academics and NHS colleagues, visit healthcare facilities across the Highlands and Islands, and learn about innovative approaches to healthcare delivery in rural and remote communities. The programme also includes opportunities to experience the culture and history of the region.
The visit will allow the students to explore the challenges and opportunities of rural practice and gain a deeper understanding of how healthcare services are delivered in remote communities.
Dr Heather Bain, Head of Academic Operations at the UHI Centre for Rural Health Sciences with Professor Colleen Walters, Associate Professor at Augusta University. Photo Paul Campbell /UHI.
Dr Bain said:
"We are delighted to welcome our colleagues and students from Augusta University to the Highlands and Islands. This collaboration provides a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, experiences and innovative approaches to rural healthcare delivery. By learning from one another's healthcare systems and communities, we can strengthen the preparation of future nursing leaders and contribute to building a sustainable rural healthcare workforce both locally and internationally."
Professor Colleen Walters, Associate Professor at Augusta University, added:
“Dr Bain and UHI have been amazing to work with on this international rural health collaboration. As a result, my students are better equipped to take on the challenges of rural health delivery back in the US and are critically reflecting on varied perspectives on healthcare and health education in a country with different health policies and better patient outcomes."
Dr Bain and Professor Walters will be present this collaborative work at an international conference in Nashville in September.