Goshen College Nursing in Nepal

Eleven students from the Goshen College Department of Nursing spent three weeks in Nepal as part of the first ever Nursing in Nepal May term course.  The student learning goals of the course were to experience nursing practice in the context of a new culture in a developing world context, establish relationships and educational exchanges with Nepalese nursing students, and demonstrate critical thinking in settings of complex health care challenges.

Elisabeth Fast Beels, GC nursing alumnus, first presented the idea for the elective to Vicky Kirkton and Brenda Srof two years ago. After careful planning, the first student group left for Nepal on April 28, 2014 with Gail Weybright as Goshen College faculty representative.

Elisabeth worked tirelessly to create a great learning experience for our students in Nepal.  Of the trip, Elisabeth commented   “ As for experiencing Nepali life, the students were great! Several were invited into the homes of the Nepali students, even overnight.  The two groups interacted wonderfully, beyond my expectations!  The GC students performed an American dance for them, changing some of the words to Nepali, which absolutely thrilled the Nepali girls!”

Associate professor, Gail Weybright stated, “I witnessed many examples of our students modeling critical thinking and patient advocacy, and learned of even more in their journaling.  I was sometimes moved to tears by the level of their sensitivity, passion, professionalism, and compassion.”

The Department of Nursing wishes to express a special note of gratitude to the people and organizations in Nepal without whom this elective would not have happened: The faculty and students of Tansen Nursing School in Nepal;   Dr. Shakuntal Thanju, Director of the nursing school; Tansen Mission Hospital, operated by the United Mission to Nepal; Ms. Ashika Thanju, Goshen College student and daughter of Dr. Thanju.

Students who participated in the elective included: Jillian De Moya, Whitnie Fisher, Teagan Johnson, Emily Miller, Kelly Miller, Chelsea Paturalski, Kahyra Ramirez, Olivia Ressler, Ashika Thanjua, Irene Schmid, Rebecca Weaver, and Amanda Weybright (alumnus).