Ten College of Nursing (CN) students, together with the Dean, Dr. Nelly Guillen, and Clinical Coordinator, Atty. Ma. Juna Dieta, joined the Summer Nursing Program facilitated by partner university, Universitas Kristen Krida Wacana/Krida Wacana Christian University (UKRIDA), Jakarta, Indonesia, July 5-10.

Chasty Fontiveros, Xaviery Aldous Arbatin, Shine Marie Elegino, Francine Shane Olete, Mary Mysel Hospital, Kaisha Apio, Kiervy James Barroa, Kent Martin Avelino, Fritz Uri Ferraris, and Christian Roy Duran, were among the Nursing students who took part in the international nursing exposure.

The week-long activity commenced with the International Nursing Experience Day (INED) where representatives from both universities joined along with invited participants from 13 Indonesian schools who were oriented about nursing profession in the Philippines during the panel session with Dr. Guillen. A cultural presentation was also showcased by Filamerian student-nurses during the event.

“One thing I learned about being a nurse in a global setting is that strong clinical skills alone wouldn’t be enough. A nurse must be culturally competent, adaptable, and respectful of different cultures to provide safe and effective care anywhere in the world,” said Kent Martin Avelino, when asked about the thing he learned about being a nurse in a global setting.

The students were also exposed to the RSUD Cengkareng/Cengkareng Public Hospital for early clinical exposure.

During their visit to the RSUD Cengkareng, Mary Mysel Hospital noted, “I observed that nurses combine clinical skills with compassion and patience when caring for stroke patients. They encourage patients during rehabilitation, promote independence whenever possible, and continuously assess their physical and emotional needs. Seeing this holistic approach reminded me that successful stroke care is not only about medical treatment but also about effective comma action, teamwork, patient education, and family involvement”.

In Panti Werdha Hana/Hana Nursing Home, the FCU nursing students were given opportunity to interact with the elderly residents and learn more about geriatric care in Indonesia.

Fritz Uri Ferraris shared, “Interacting with the elderly at Panti Werdha Hana was a deeply moving experience that felt remarkably like speaking with my own grandparents, gentle, kind, and inherently caring. Engaging in these meaningful conversations reignited a sense of warmth and affection that I had not experienced in a long time as my own grandparents have sadly passed away. Contrary to the common misconception that the elderly can be difficult or disengaged, this experience served as a powerful reminder that they possess immense wisdom, and that the stage of life they are navigating is the very same path we will eventually travel as we age,” when asked how he felt while interacting with the elders at Panti Werdha Hana.

Students were also brought and exposed to palliative care at Husada Hospital. Kaisha Apio, one of the nursing students who joined the visit said, “One of the most significant  realizations I had was the importance of involving the patient’s family. Family members play a vital role in supporting patients emotionally and physically, making them essential partners in the healing process. I also learned that collaboration among the multidisciplinary healthcare team — including nurses, physicians, therapists, pharmacists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals — is fundamental to achieving the best patient outcomes.”

Filamerian nursing students also experienced the Betawi culture through Setu Babakan and were able to chase sunset at Thamrin Nine. 

The week-long international nursing exposure in Jakarta is part of the University’s initiative to integrate internationalization in its curriculum through the mobility program, preparing students to become global citizens, adaptable and future-proof professionals, who are ready to navigate the interconnected world. This endeavor also promotes Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on quality education (SDG4), good health and well-being (SDG3), and partnerships for the goals (SDG17).

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