YEREVAN, Armenia — From March 10–23, 10 students enrolled in the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program successfully completed their clinical practicum, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional development. Nine students completed their practicum at Winchester Hospital in Massachusetts, USA, and one undertook the experience at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUB-MC).
This unique opportunity was made possible by generous funding secured through the dedicated efforts of the Armenian American Medical Association (AAMA), Dr. Nancy Barsamian, SJS Charitable Trust, and other esteemed faculty and professional colleagues. The collaboration highlights the power of academic and professional partnerships in enhancing global nursing education and fostering cross-cultural exchange.
The foundation for this partnership was laid during the fall of 2024, when Al Campbell, president of Winchester Hospital, and Karen Keaney, vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer, attended a chapter meeting of the AAMA and engaged with representatives from AUA. The BSN practicum allowed senior students enrolled in the program to observe the application of the nursing process from assessment to evaluation of patient-centered care using standard policies and guidelines; experience the EPIC health information system, including nursing documentation within that system; and participate in interdisciplinary patient rounds and discussions. Students also received leadership mentoring and gained insights into various quality improvement and patient care programs and committees. During their practicum at Winchester Hospital, the students were closely supervised and guided by BSN faculty member Vicky Herkelian, ensuring a supportive and enriching learning experience.
Upon returning from their practicum experience, the students engaged in an informative roundtable discussion, during which they presented the main highlights and lessons learned. The senior BSN students expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from their mentors and were inspired by the leadership styles they observed at Winchester Hospital. One student recalled: “We were speaking to an experienced ICU nurse manager and asked her, ‘What is your favorite part of your work?’ She responded, ‘Working with my staff.’ I want to become this type of leader, with a highly qualified staff that will have a positive experience with me.” The students were also impressed by the scope and quality of the nurses’ practice and care, as well as the high caliber of interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. When asked about her favorite aspect of the practicum, one student said, “People here feel proud to bear the title of nurse.”
Similarly, the student who completed her practicum at AUB-MC shared the leadership lessons she learned regarding professional communication and conflict resolution within the healthcare team. When asked about her favorite aspect of the practicum, she mentioned that attending a real-time simulation in the pediatric intensive care unit was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the importance of simulation in the professional development of nurses.
Throughout the practicum, the students engaged in meaningful clinical observations, round table and committee discussions, and professional development activities that not only broadened their clinical perspectives, but also contributed to an enriching cultural exchange. The presence of AUA’s BSN students fostered mutual learning and inspired valuable dialogue within the Winchester Hospital and the AUB-MC communities.
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.
Media Coverage:
[Armenian Mirror-Spectator] Winchester Hospital Trains Armenian Nurses as Part of Healthcare Reform
