Global health nursing in Botswana: A clinical practicum

The presentation will highlight the clinical experience in global health nursing in the community in Botswana of fourth-year students from the School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania. This unique experience to complete a required clinical practicum in communities is offered to a limited number of students each August. It is part of a seven-year partnership between the Universities of Botswana and Pennsylvania, Schools of Nursing.

The presentation will present the 2012 clinical practicum, discuss findings on cultural and policy aspects of global health, identify lessons learned and propose future projects. Students: • Traveled to Ghanzi (an eight hour bus ride through the Cross Kalahari highway) to work with a center for children of The San. • Worked side by side at government community clinics with University of Botswana students • Conducted annual physical and developmental assessments on children at Kamagelo, a day care center for orphans and vulnerable children ages 2-6. • Developed and presented innovative educational workshops for adolescents many of whom are HIV positive at Stepping Stones International. • Conducted physical and community assessments on clients of a palliative care center located in the heart of the major slum area of Gaborone • Developed and presented competency based educational seminars for staff at children's centers and home health care. • Assisted at the government Women's Center where cervical cancer is detected and treated.