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Nursing Across Borders

Qatar campus heads into second year. 

By Veronica Hoskins

The University of Calgary—Qatar (UCQ), in partnership with the State of Qatar, is working to create a world-class health-care system in the country by preparing the nursing leaders of the future. This year, the Doha campus welcomes more than 150 new and returning students—an increase from the first 18 students enrolled when the school opened its doors in September 2007.

UCQ offers post diploma and Bachelor of Nursing degrees to students from across the globe. While 85 percent are born and raised in Qatar, their homelands of origin include Palestine, Pakistan, Iran, Jordan, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Bahrain, Nigeria, India, United States and Kenya.

Almost all of UCQ students are sponsored by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)—the premier health-care provider in Doha. The sponsored post diploma students are nurses with HMC and have been granted leave with pay to advance their nursing education.

In line with the State of Qatar’s commitment to offer education and research programs that meet international quality standards, students in Doha have access to the latest in academic programs and advanced medical technology, learn from internationally accredited professors and have opportunities for experiential learning—just like their fellow students in Calgary.

Meet three UCQ students who hope to change the nursing landscape in Qatar.

Gulfama Syed Rososanuddin
Hometown: Doha, Qatar   Age: 25

  

Why did you enrol at UCQ?

I have a diploma in nursing and wanted to further my education at the university level.

When did you first become interested in nursing?

Ever since I was a child, I wanted to go into medicine. After I read my first book on the central nervous system, I became fascinated. I wanted to become a neurosurgeon, explore the body and see how everything is connected. But in my culture, it’s very difficult for a woman to even get permission to study—I faced a lot of challenges. If I want to go into medicine to become a doctor, I have to go to Pakistan. Because of my culture, I’m not allowed to go to Pakistan by myself and my family was against it. When I found out about this nursing program, I told my parents I wanted to go. They said no at first. But, I kept trying and trying and finally my father agreed. The person I am today is because of my father—he really supported me. Nursing became the best alternative to being a doctor. I’m very happy with my decision and now that I look back, it was absolutely the right decision.

What do you like about nursing and medicine?

I like working with the patients, listening to their medical problems and helping them heal. I like the holistic care approach we learn. Nursing is not just about following the doctor’s orders; you have to educate the patient, create awareness about health and wellness and also take care of the family.

Tell me about your hospital experiences.

I worked in pediatric emergency for eight months and before that I did my internship in different units. I really liked working with small children and enjoyed learning how their needs differ from adults.

What do you hope to do with your degree?

I want to do a master’s degree here at the University of Calgary—Qatar when that becomes an option. After that, I want to specialize in intensive care for adults and pediatrics.

How will having more and better nurses help the people of Qatar?

As we educate more nurses and formalize their education, I think it will make positive changes in the health-care system and ultimately, patient care will be enhanced.

Millicient Alice Wangare Ndungu
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya   Age: 30

  

Why did you decide to be a nurse?

I lived with my cousin who was a nurse and she was my inspiration. I can remember watching her get ready for work in her white uniform and I thought she looked great and important—she was my role model.

When did you move to Doha?

I moved to Doha in spring of 2007. My goal was to work for the hospital but the process took longer than I expected so I worked in the fashion industry for a bit. I really came to Doha to study and learn more about nursing and medicine.

When you were in Nairobi, did you work in a hospital?

For more than five years I was an operating room nurse. Also, I was a trainer in basic life support and cardiac life support, and I was a member of the HIV/AIDS forum.

What are your goals after you finish your schooling here?

I’d like to specialize in my passion—surgical neurology—and eventually move into management. Back home, not many doctors specialize in neurology, but I remember some of them talking about opening a hospital that specializes only in neurological cases—I’d love to go and manage that place.

What do you like most about the UCQ experience?

I’ve met so many people from different cultures who speak different languages. I’ve learned a lot about where they come from and even some new words in other languages. The teachers really motivate me and they’re always there to help. It’s been a great experience and I’m looking forward to this year.

Do you have a family back home?

I’m single and don’t have any children. But my father, mother and brothers and sisters are home in Kenya, except for one sister who lives in Rwanda.

Syed Afzal
Hometown: Warrington, Pennsylvania   Age: 24

  

You’re from Pennsylvania in the United States, why study across the globe in Doha?

My sister and her husband have been living in Doha for a few years both as English teachers and when she found out I was applying to nursing schools, she told me about the University of Calgary’s program in Qatar. I’ve visited Doha several times so the city wasn’t unfamiliar and with my transfer credits from Kutztown University and my associate degree in liberal arts from Bucks County Community College, it would only take me two years to complete the program. That was appealing.

Have you always wanted to be a nurse?

When I was young, I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. The body is so complex and learning about it is amazing. I’ve changed my mind a few times between doctor and nurse, but in nursing you get to spend more time with the patients—this is very important to me. I’m a people person and love to learn. I believe that every person you meet teaches you something, so I wanted to have a job where I could meet lots of people and always be learning. And, I embrace my Muslim faith and its thinking that if you save one person, you save all of humanity.

What kind of difference do you want to make in the nursing field?

I want to make the interactions with patients more personal. There are different opinions about how close you should get to a patient, but I believe if you have a friendship connection, if you know your patient in and out, then you can help cure them better. Maybe they’ll be less likely to hold important information from you—information that would be necessary for their treatment.

Where do you want to go after graduation?

I am interested in many specialties, but I do have a top three—home care, emergency room and intensive care. I’m not sure where I’ll start after graduation but if I have a choice, I want to do the home care first and maybe someday open my own nursing home. I want to learn more about life and people, hear other people’s views and open my mind, and then share that knowledge with other people. In home care, you get to spend lots of time with your patients and each of them will have interesting stories and wisdom to share.

Do you have a mentor/role model?

I have two—my brother and father. My brother taught me how to be a man and my father taught me how to move on in life. My mother passed away when I was seven and my dad had to take on both roles. He’s the first person to say “you can do it” and he’s supportive in everything I do, especially when I decided to come to Doha. I’m lucky because I have two relationships with my dad—father/son and friend.

You’ve attended post-secondary education in the U.S., how has your experience been here at UCQ?
I love the university here. The teachers are great and help you when you need it. One of my teachers, Harry Plummer, makes class fun and is very enthusiastic. And while he’s making it a fun environment to learn, he’s very serious about what we should know, but more importantly, why we should know it. There are some things that could be improved, but everything needs improvement, especially when it’s new.

You speak English and Hindi…has language been a barrier among your classmates?

Everyone speaks English here but when someone doesn’t understand, we all translate. My Arabic friends will translate in English to me if I’m having trouble understanding or communicating. And I have noticed a big difference in how the students’ English has improved over the year—they’re doing really well. All of the students are really helpful, willing to help other students—in communicating and with schoolwork. It’s not as competitive as the U.S.