Instructor recognized for leading nursing study abroad program
Lynelle Phillips, MPH, RN
Nov. 17, 2011
Lynelle Phillips receives Award for Excellence in Short-term Study Abroad Programming
Columbia, Mo. — The University of Missouri Study Abroad Advisory Council (SAAC) honored Lynelle Phillips, an instructor in the MU Sinclair School of Nursing and instructor and field placement coordinator for the MU Master of Public Health Program, with the annual Award for Excellence in Short-term Study Abroad Programming Nov. 15. SAAC recognized Phillips, MPH, RN, for coordinating and implementing a study abroad program for undergraduate nursing students in the community health course. The new program to Ghana in western Africa was held during January Intersession and Summer Intersession this year. Nursing students have not traditionally had study abroad opportunities provided through campus programming.
Phillips worked with Jason Kinnear, assistant director of study abroad in the MU International Center, to develop the new nursing opportunity. “We thought a study abroad opportunity like this really helps build cultural competence, which in the nursing profession is becoming more of a critical skill because our patient populations are so diverse,” Phillips said.
A total of 21 students traveled to Ghana in 2011. During each two-week program, students performed health outreach and screenings with several non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Organized in conjunction with ProWorld, each trip fulfilled the clinical requirement of the community health course. The students worked with NGOs already in Ghana and taught classes on hygiene, infectious diseases and sexually transmitted diseases; helped screen for HIV/AIDS, diabetes and hypertension; and trained community members to educate others about health issues. “I saw my students gain such an appreciation and love for community health,” Phillips said. “They learned volumes by the minute…they were very engaged and that makes it really fun for an instructor.” The study abroad program will now be an option for bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) students, and BSN study abroad programs are being planned for January and August 2012.
“We are very fortunate at the Sinclair School of Nursing to have Lynelle Phillips on our faculty as a public health nurse,” said Dean Judith Fitzgerald Miller. “She brings her tremendous past experience at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand the knowledge base of our students. Lynelle has consistently focused on solving problems of the underserved. She has really pioneered to set up this community health nursing practicum experience in Ghana. It has been life-changing for the students and for Lynelle.”Phillips received the award during a reception for faculty program leaders Nov. 15. The award included $1,500 and a plaque.