This spring, Fairfield University and the Florence University of the Arts – The American University of Florence launched a new semester abroad experience for nursing students in Florence, Italy featuring a clinical placement at Careggi University Hospital. This innovative initiative offers an immersive experience combining cultural exploration with practical healthcare training. 

“The nursing program was born from the commitment of Fairfield Egan and Global Fairfield to make international study possible for our nursing, social work, and health studies students,” explained Florence Program Director Joanne Maddux. “Through tireless dedication, Florence University of the Arts, our academic partner in Florence worked together with faculty from Fairfield Egan to integrate the curriculum and make a clinical experience possible for nursing majors at Careggi, the primary university and teaching hospital in Florence.”

Students gain invaluable practical experience at Careggi allowing them to hone their skills alongside experienced professionals in a global healthcare setting. The program provides a carefully curated curriculum specifically designed to prepare students for success in the international healthcare arena. Core courses include Introduction to Nutrition; MedTalk: Communicating in Italian for Health Professions; Biomedical Ethics; Geriatric Healthcare; Health Assessment; and Clinical Practice. 

In addition to the core nursing curriculum, students have the flexibility to choose an additional course, either a core requirement or an elective, that aligns with their interests, further enriching their academic experience in Florence. This flexibility allows them to either fulfill a graduation requirement or delve deeper into a specific area of interest through an elective.   

The program's benefits extend beyond the classroom walls. Students gain invaluable real-world experience through supervised clinical practice under the guidance of professional nurses. Working with geriatric patients in various wards of Careggi Hospital, Fairfield students have garnered positive feedback. The hospital staff not only appreciates the expertise and enthusiasm they bring but has also reported that the program fosters a valuable exchange of global knowledge and understanding within their departments.

This international study program offers an unparalleled opportunity for Fairfield nursing students. Combining a rigorous academic curriculum with practical clinical experience in a global setting, the program equips students with the knowledge, cultural competency, and skills they need to thrive as future leaders in the ever-evolving field of nursing.