International perspectives for nursing care

Howest University of Applied Sciences in Belgium, a member of the RUN-EU university alliance, founded the international Health@World Network in 2011. The aim of the initiative is to promote understanding of global challenges in nursing. For the first time, four FHV students from the Bachelor's program in Health Care and Nursing took part in the conference together with practice coordinator Nadine Hinteregger and lecturer Markus Harwart. 

New networking opportunities in nursing through RUN-EU

Annette Ritter, Bianca Zurek, Jonas Aberer and Niklas Jehle all agree: "A very clear recommendation - we would take part in an event like Health@World Network again at any time. RUN-EU offers us great opportunities to broaden our horizons!" The four students took part in Howest's international networking event in Bruges for the first time. In their view, the international conference provides valuable impetus. "Through the lectures, panel discussions and workshops, we gained new perspectives on exciting topics such as leadership in nursing or sustainability and AI in palliative care," they add.

Leadership roles in nursing

A panel discussion on the topic of "Leadership in Nursing" made a lasting impression on the four students. It made them realize that leadership does not only take place at management level, but that leadership roles are unconsciously assumed time and again in small everyday occurrences. Recognizing this and accepting this leadership role is particularly important for patient safety. Especially when working in a team with a skill and grade mix, which is made up of nursing staff with different qualifications (skills) and levels of training and experience (grades), it can be crucial to be aware of this responsibility.

Intercultural understanding for nursing care

Intercultural case studies were worked on in international groups. "This collaboration gave us a valuable insight into the cultural differences in nursing and broadened our view of future work with people from different countries of origin. The exchange with the international students and lecturers was enriching - we talked about their education and healthcare systems, networked and learned from each other," concluded the four students. About the Health@World Network Founded at Howest in 2011, the Health@World Network has developed into a global initiative that brings partners together worldwide. The network is growing continuously and since Howest became a member of the RUN-EU university alliance, the Health@World network is also to be integrated even more closely here.

▷ Find out more about studying Health Care and Nursing and RUN-EU.