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Nursing Care, Nursing Education
and Health Care Systems in Turkey:
 A Visit to Florence Nightingale 

June 29 – July 10, 2008

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Extended to April 14, 2008

This study abroad program is coordinated by the Northern Illinois University Study Abroad Office (SAO), in cooperation with the NIU College of Health and Human Sciences and School of Nursing and Health Studies.  Koc University, School of Suring in Istanbul, Turkey will serve as the cooperating overseas institution. 

PROGRAM  DATES:  The pre-departure component of the program will be held on Monday, June 25, 2008 in DeKalb.  The location of the class will be announced at a later date.   

The overseas component of the program will officially begin in Istanbul, Turkey on Saturday, June 28, 2008 and will end in Istanbul, Turkey on Thursday, July 10, 2008.  Students will be responsible for making their own air travel arrangements in order to arrive in Istanbul, Turkey on June 28, Sunday, 2008. 

PROGRAM  DIRECTOR:   Dr. Ayhan A. Lash and Dr. Judy Popovich both  professors at School of Nursing and Health Studies in the NIU College of Health and Human Sciences will serve as the program co-directors. 

Ayhan A. Lash, PhD, RN, FAAN, has been teaching at NIU for 17 years. She is a native of Turkey and has publications on various aspects of nursing education in Turkey.  She has lectured extensively to faculty and students in Turkey since 1990 and has served as a consultant to two university programs. 

Judith M. Popovich, DNSc, APN, BC, has been teaching at NIU for 12 years and has broad international experiences.  She conducted several programs in Africa, teaching nursing in Botswana (1998-99), Kenya (2000) and Swaziland (2002).  She also served as an advisor to the Minority International Research Training Program through the University of Illinois College of Nursing. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW/OBJECTIVES:  The primary purpose of this program is to provide participants with the opportunity to explore emerging health care systems in a developing country, identify major public health problems and health care resources, compare cultural perspectives of health and illness in North America with those in Turkey and explore historical and cultural influences on nursing education in Turkey. 

Map of TurkeyPROGRAM SITE(S): The program will take place in Istanbul, Turkey.  The classes will be held on the campus of Koc University, one of the leading private universities in Turkey.  Students will be provided with daily sites visits to health care agencies, schools of nursing, and an afternoon visit to the museum of Florence Nightingale in Skutari, Istanbul. 

HIGHLIGHTS:
The highlight of the program will be a visit to Florence Nightingale Museum in Skutari, Istanbul where Florence Nightingale and nurses working with her worked and kept residence.  The following site visits, all in Istanbul, have been scheduled.

 

PROGRAM AUDIENCE:   Space is limited and qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis.  Types of students will be interested in this program are undergraduates, graduates, students-at-large and professionals. Students from all majors welcome.  The program is also open to non-traditional students. 

INSTRUCTION METHOD:  Didactic classes will be held daily in a classroom from 9:12:00 noon. Drs. Lash and Popovich will present most of the lectures. Additionally, there will be guest lecturers from local universities describing local conditions and related research. Most afternoons will be devoted to site visits. 

The instruction method will be lecture, discussion, and presentation of group projects. Guest lecturers from the local universities will be invited. There will be topic related tours every afternoon.

Students are expected to work on group projects on international health related topics of interest to them. Koc University library and computes will be available. In addition, nursing students from the local university will be paired with NIU students on selected projects.


PROGRAM ACADEMIC CREDIT: For satisfactory participation in the program, participants will receive 3 semester hours of undergraduate or graduate credit in one of the following NIU courses. 

UNDERGRADUATE CREDIT:

  

NURS 480  Special Topics in Nursing  :  Nursing Care, Nursing 
Education and Health Care Systems in Turkey                       3 semester hours

Description:  Explore emerging health care systems in a developing country. Identify major public health problems and health care resources. Compare cultural perspectives of health and illness in North America with those in Turkey. Explore historical and cultural influences on patient care and nursing education in Turkey.

 

GRADUATE CREDIT:

  

NURS 580 Seminar in Clinical Nursing:  Nursing Care, Nursing
Education and Health Care Systems in Turkey                       3 semester hours    

Description: Explore emerging health care systems in a developing country. Identify major public health problems and health care resources. Compare cultural perspectives of health and illness in North America with those in Turkey. Explore historical and cultural influences on patient care and nursing education in Turkey.

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES: The program is open to undergraduate and graduate level students who meet the NIU general admission requirements, and who are interested in international health care issues.  Currently enrolled students must meet College of  Health and Human Sciences’ course GPA requirements.   Graduate level students must also meet NIU Graduate School admission, course and GPA requirements.  

Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the time of application.  Students who are on academic or disciplinary probation are not eligible to participate in study abroad programs.  Applicants must participate in the entire program and satisfy NIU undergraduate or graduate admission and course requirements.   

Students cannot have any encumbrances against their NIU records.  Any encumbrances placed on a student’s records by NIU (i.e., the Graduate School, Undergraduate Admissions, Bursar’s Office, Accounts Receivable, Registration and Records, Health Services, Parking Services, etc.) must be cleared before a student is granted admission to a study abroad program. 

For undergraduate students to be admitted to the program, an applicant’s official transcript must be on file in the NIU Study Abroad Office.  Students who are currently enrolled at NIU, or who have previously enrolled at NIU, do not need to request an official transcript; the Study Abroad Office will make this request on behalf of the applicant.  Students who want to participate in the program and earn academic credit from NIU who have not previously enrolled at NIU, or who are not currently enrolled at NIU, should ask the Registrar at their institution to forward an official transcript as soon as possible to the Study Abroad Office.  (Student-issued transcripts and photocopies are not acceptable.)  Questions relating to the admission requirements or transcripts should be directed to the Study Abroad Office.   

Students who desire to obtain graduate credit must either be admitted to a graduate program within the NIU Graduate School, or be admitted to the status of a "student-at-large" (SAL) within NIU's Graduate School.  For students to be admitted to the program for graduate credit, the applicant's official transcript must be on file in the NIU SAO.  Students who are currently enrolled at NIU, or who have previously enrolled at NIU, do not need to request an official transcript.  However, students who will participate in the program in order to earn academic credit as an SAL (students who have not currently enrolled, nor are previously enrolled at NIU) must provide a transcript from the baccalaureate institution and from any institution at which graduate credit has been earned.  This document must be provided to the SAO before a student can be admitted as an SAL to the program.  (Student issued transcripts and photocopies are not acceptable.)

APPLICATION FORMS AND DEPOSIT: Applicants must submit the following at the time of application:

  1. Application for NIU Administered/Faculty Directed Study Abroad Programs
  2. Student Application Agreement
  3. Course Preference Form
  4. $200 deposit
  5. THREE (3) passport size photos
  6. A clear and readable copy of the first page of passport

$200 DEPOSIT: Each application must be accompanied by a $200 check or money order made payable to NIU.  The $200 will be applied to the program cost.  Applications that are not accompanied by the $200 deposit will be returned to the sender.  (This $200 is also required of individuals who will be applying for financial aid.)   

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  EXTENDED TO APRIL 14, 2008. April 1, 2008.  Applications submitted to the Study Abroad Office after April 1, 2008 must be accompanied by a check or money order for the full program cost in order to be considered for acceptance in this program.  Applications not accompanied by the full program costs cannot be accepted by the Study Abroad Office.   

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS:  Participants will reside in dormitories at Koc University School of Nursing in double or triple rooms with toilet facilities.  Meals will be provided at a cost of  $4.00 /meals throughout the period of residency.  (Refer to the Tentative Daily Schedule for specific details regarding housing and meals.) 

AIR TRANSPORTATION:  Individuals will be responsible for making their own air travel arrangements between the U.S. and Istanbul, Turkey and for purchasing their tickets from a travel agent or airline of their choice.  (Travel insurance is recommended.)  Participants should keep in mind that in order to arrive in Istanbul, Turkey in time for the official beginning of the program, they should plan to depart the U.S. no later than June 27, 2008. 

For information regarding airfares and airlines students may wish to check-out additional airfare sites on the Internet such as STA Travel.

Important - The Study Abroad Office advises all participants that flight reservations for this program should not be booked until:

 a.       After the April 1 application deadline

AND
 b.      The SAO has accepted the minimum number of participants needed to operate this program.  

This advisory is given so that participants do not find themselves financially responsible for airline tickets should it be necessary to cancel the program. (See section entitled, CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM)

LAND TRANSPORTATION:  For program-related travel the group will travel by bus or minibus.  This transportation is provided as part of the NIU program cost.  (Refer to the Tentative Daily Schedule for specific details regarding other program-related transportation.)), and

PASSPORT:  --IMPORTANT--All participants are required to possess a valid passport by APRIL 1, 2008.  Important Note:  U.S. passports must be valid SIX months beyond the intended stay overseas.  Individuals who do not currently possess a valid passport should apply for one immediately upon acceptance into the program.  (Applicants applying after April 1, 2008 may need to request expedited services or apply in person at the Chicago Passport Agency.  If applicants are not within the Chicago area, they must apply at the nearest passport agency.)  Information on acquiring a U.S. passport is available at the U.S. State Department’s website:  http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.  Foreign passport holders may need special visas for travel and are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas.

VISA:  A valid passport is required in order to obtain a visa to enter Turkey.  Individuals who do not currently possess a valid passport should apply for one immediately upon acceptance into the program.  Applicants are required to submit THREE passport size photos with their application.  Students will be provided with visa application forms at a later date.  The NIU Study Abroad Office will collect the visa applications and required documents and submit them for processing.  Foreign passport holders may need special visas for travel and are responsible for providing all required documents and paying additional costs beyond the visa costs covered in the NIU program cost.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS/VACCINATIONS:  Travelers entering Turkey are not required to have any particular vaccinations.  However, if you have questions on this matter, the NIU University Health Service Travel Clinic can advise students on what immunizations are required and can administer most immunizations.  Most immunizations require a fee.  Consult the NIU University Health Service Travel Clinic two to three months before you travel. 

NIU MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE:  NIU Student health insurance is required for participation in an NIU study abroad program.  Participants not currently enrolled in the NIU insurance plan will be enrolled in the NIU major medical Insurance Plan (comprehensive) that has a $250 deductible clause.  Students requiring medical attention will be expected to pay any related costs and then file a claim with the NIU Student Insurance Office after returning to the States.  Receipts showing payment for all medical expenses are required for reimbursement. 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT I.D. CARD:  The ISIC card is provided as part of the program cost. The I.D. card can provide discount on international airfare and other travel. Students will receive an application and instructions for obtaining this card when accepted into the program.

The International Student Identity Card also includes a limited health and accident insurance policy which is only valid outside the U.S.  Students will have to pay bills at the time of treatment and will be reimbursed later.  Students should, however, have a more comprehensive insurance plan to supplement the ID insurance.

NIU PROGRAM COST: The cost of the program in Turkey is payable in full to NIU by May 1, 2008. The program cost pays for the following cost related services:

  1. Accommodations at Koc University of Nursing
  2. Program-related land transportation
  3. Admission fees to cultural and historical sites visited as part of the daily schedule
  4. Fee for acquiring the visa to enter Turkey
  5. International Student ID
  6. NIU tuition for undergraduate or graduate credit
  7. NIU major medical insurance

PROGRAM COST:  $2,575

Price subject to change pending currency exchange fluctuations.

All prices quoted are subject to change. The information contained in the program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented. Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.

Non-NIU students should consult with their home institutions regarding additional costs that may apply to study abroad. Non-NIU students are responsible for any study abroad charges imposed by their home institution.

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO PARTICIPANTS

  • Airfare
  • Cost of acquiring a passport (approximately $115).
  • Passport size photos.
  • Additional costs associated with obtaining a visa for non-U.S. passport holders.
  • Immunization fees
  • $30 Undergraduate application fee for non-NIU undergraduate students
  • Independent travel and visa costs associated with independent travel
  • Expenses for freetime pursuits
  • Expenses and purchases of a personal nature

FINANCIAL AID: As a participant in a study abroad program through NIU, applicants may be eligible for:  Pell Grant, SEOG, Perkins Loan, PLUS Loan, Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, MAP Award or your privately awarded scholarship with consent of awarding organization. Tuition waivers do not apply.   

Please contact Pamela Rosenberg, International Programs Business Manager, Williston Hall 407, (815) 753-9530, prosenberg@niu.edu for more information. 

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM:  Applicants withdrawing from the program after April 1, 2008 will not be refunded the $200 program deposit. 

Applicants withdrawing from the program after this date will also be held accountable for any funds obligated on their behalf.  This provision is in effect even if the applicant has not submitted the $200 deposit or additional payments, and if the applicant is applying for financial aid. 

If the applicant must withdraw after April 1, 2008 for medical reasons, the $200 deposit will be refunded only if the request is submitted to the Study Abroad Office in writing and accompanied by a signed statement from a physician on the physician’s letterhead.  After this deadline, all funds obligated on your behalf can only be refunded if those monies are refunded to NIU by overseas agents and vendors.  

CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM: The Study Abroad Office reserves the right to cancel this program if the minimum required enrollment is not attained.  If, prior to the commencement of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for Turkey, all applicants will be notified promptly of the warning and the possibility of cancellation of the program.  In the event that the program is canceled by NIU's International Programs Division, students shall receive a full refund of all monies.  If, during the course of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for Turkey, students will be promptly notified of the warning and the advisability of canceling the program.  

The information contained in the program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented.  Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.     

Course Syllabus

 Course Number and Title:  NURS 580

Nursing Care, Nursing Education

and Health Care Systems in Turkey:

A Visit to Florence Nightingale

Course Syllabus

 

1.         International Health Care Systems: Turkey and North America.

2.         International Health Related Organizations: World Health Organization, UNICEF, Agency for International development (AID) and their influence on international health care.

3.         National and International Nursing Organizations:

a.       International Council in Nursing

b.      National Nurses Organizations in Turkey

c.       National Nurses Organizations in North America

4.         Current Health Care Systems in Turkey: Culture and Health Care

5.         Private Health Sector in Turkey and their influence on access to health care.

6.         Accreditation of Health Care Institutions: Turkey (European Union), North America. Accreditation and health care quality

7.         Major Health Problems in Turkey: Epidemiology and, etiology.

8.         Patterns of nursing education in Turkey: Historical influences: Florence Nightingale to McManus

9.         European Union and its impact on health care system

Site visits:

  1. American Hospital/selected units (ICU; ER: Pediatric and Medical/Surgical units)
     
  2. University of Istanbul- main campus (one of the oldest universities in the world), the University Hospital and the Grand Bazaar
     
  3. Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Hospital
     
  4. Koc University and Koc University School of Nursing
     
  5. Florence Nightingale Museum and Sema Hospital/Private Hospital
     
  6. Geriatric Care Center
     
  7. Topkapi Museum, Hippodrome, Basilica Cisterns  (underground water cisterns), Blue Mosque,  Hagia Sophia  and Basilica Cisterns (underground water cisterns)
     
  8. International Music and Dance Festival (if available).

 

Program Title: Nursing Care, Nursing Education
and Health Care Systems in Turkey

Program Director: Dr. Ayhan A. Lash and Dr. Judy Popovich
Department: Nursing and Health Studies

 

Reading Material

Aksayan, S. & Cimete, G. (2000). Nursing education and practice in Turkey. Journal of  Nursing Scholarship, 32(2), 211-213.

Arslan, L. S. & Sernin, S. (2006). Attitudes and practices of primary health care center patients about drug (prescribed medicine) use in Turkey. Patient Education and Counseling, 62(2), 250-259.

Atalay, K. & Dogan, S. (2000). International Perspective. Mandating university-based education in Turkey: Turkey’s experience. Nurse Educator, 25(4), 166-169.

Atav, S. (2201), Politics of health care in Turkey: A demonstration in model development and testing. Journal of Multicultural Nursing, 7(1), 29-36.

Bahcecik, N. O. (2003). The hospital ethical climate in Turkey. JONA’s Healthcare Law, Ethics and Regulation. 5(4), 94-99.

Baykal, U., Sokmen, S. K. & Akgun, E. (2005). Determining student satisfaction in a nursing college. Nurse Education Today, 25(4), 255-262.

Berges, F. & Berges, C. (1986). A visit to Scurari: Florence Nightingale’s best-known triumph. American Journal of Nursing, 86(7), 811-8113.

Brooks, J. (1993). Museum a perfect memorial to the lady of the Lamp. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 148(10), 1792-1794.

Buken, O. N, & Buken E. (2004). Emerging health care sector problems affecting patient rights in Turkey, Nursing Ethics, 11(6), 610-624.

Demir, A. (2007) Use of physical strains in four Turkish hospitals.  Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 39(1), 38-45.

Erci, B. (2003). Health policy and systems, Barriers to utilization of prenatal care services in Turkey. Journal if Nursing Scholarship, 35(3), 269-273.

Elbas, N. O. (2001). Do you know that there is a museum dedicated to Florence Nightingale in Turkey? Nursing History Review, 9, 239-240.

Gungor, I. & Beji, N. K. (2007). Effects of fathers’ attendance to labor and delivery on the experience of childbirth in Turkey. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 29(2), 213-231.

Herdman, E. (2004). Nursing in a postemotional society. Nursing Philosophy, 5 (2), 95–103.  

Kim, M. J., Woith, W., McElmurry, B. J. (2006). Global nurse leaders: Lessons from the sages.  Advances in Nursing Science, 29(1), 27-42.

Kuguoglu, S & Aslan, F. E. (2006). Are patients in Western Turkey content with healthcare services? A quality assessment study. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 21(4), 366-371.

Lash , A. A., Kulakaç, O.,  Buldukoğlu, K., & Kukulu. K. (2006). Verbal abuse of Turkish nursing and midwifery university students in clinical settings: A Phenomenological  Study. Journal of Nursing Education, (45)10, 396-403.

Lash, A. (2006). Salute to American nurses, MedSurg Nursing, 15(4), 197-198.

Meleis, A. & Aly, F. A. M.  (1997). Women’s health: Global perspective. In J. C. McCloskey  and  H. Kennedy Grace. (Eds,). Current Issues in Nursing, pp. 609-612.

Nahcivan, N. O., & Demirezen, E. (2005), Depressive symptomatology among Turkish older adults with low incomes in a rural community sample. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 14(10), 1232-1240.

Ozaydin, Z. (2006). Upper strata women in nursing. Nursing History Review, 14, 161-172.

Ozturk, H., Bahcecik, H., & Bauman, S. L. (2006). Nursing satisfaction and job enrichment in Turkey. Nursing Science Quarterly, 19(4), 359-65.

Sadler, C. & Huff, M. (2007). African-American women. Health beliefs, life style, and  osteoporosis. Orthopaedic Nursing, 25(2), 96-104.

Sivis, R., McCrae, C.S., Demir, A. (2005). Availability of mental health services for older adults: a cross-cultural comparison of the United States and Turkey. Aging and Mental Health, 9(3), 223-234.

Thobaben, M.& Roberts, D. (2005). Guest editorial. Exploring nurse education in Canada,  Finland and the United States. Contemporary Nurse, 20(2), 199-123.

Yavuz, M. (2004). Nursing doctoral education in Turkey, Nursing Education Today, 24(7), 553-559.

Yigit, R., Ozcan, A. & Kanik, E. A. (2004). Profile of nurses with baccalaureate degrees in  Turkey. Journal of Professional Nursing, 20(6), 403-412.

Requirements:            Weekly journal: 15%
                                    Health Care Systems Project: 30%

The deadline for submission of journal and project:  July  11, 2008, 12:00 noon or earlier

 

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE

 Orientation Meeting: June 25, 2008
Overseas Program: June 30, 2008

Weekly Class Schedule/ June 25-July 10, 2008

Dates

Topics

June 25
10-12:00 noon

 
 16-18:00

 Class I: Meet at NIU/ Review syllabus, course objectives and outlines
Visit Turkish Consulate (Chicago): Presentation: History of Turks and modern  Turkey

Introductory dinner with class in Chicago (optional)

June 27

 Leave for Istanbul

June 28

Arrive in Istanbul/ Evening dinner with class (optional)

June 29

Free day/Welcome Dinner with class (required)

June 30
9:-12:00
14:00-17:00

Class 2: International Health Care Systems: Turkey, United States, Canada,
Site Visit: American Hospital/Selected Units
Exploration of the city/ Major centers

Dinner with class and guests (optional)

July 1
9-12:00
 

14:00-17:00

Class 3: International Health Related Organizations: World  Health Organizations, UNICEF,  Agency for International development (AID);  International Nursing Organizations: International Council in Nursing

 Dinner with class (optional)

July 2
9-12:00

14-17:00

Class 4: Current Health Care Systems in Turkey: Culture and Health Care
 

Site visit: American Hospital/selected units (ICU; ER: Pediatric and Medical/Surgical units); University of Istanbul- main campus (one of the oldest universities in the world), the University Hospital and the Grand Bazaar

July 3
9-12:00

14:00-17:00

Class 5: Public and Private Health Sector in Turkey


Site visit: Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Hospital/Public
Dinner with class (optional)

July 4
9-12:00

14:00-17:00

Class 6:  Accreditation of Health Care Institutions: United States, Europe; Turkey.

Site Visit: Florence Nightingale Museum  and Sema Hospital/Private Hospital

July 7
9-12:00

14-17:00

 Class 7: Major Health Problems in Turkey: Epidemiology and etiology


Site visits: Geriatric Health Center                                     

July 8
9-12:00

14-17:00

19-22:00

Class 8: Patterns of nursing education in Turkey: Historical influences: Florence Nightingale to McManus

Site Visit: Site visit: Koc University, and Koc University School of Nursing

International Music and Dance Festival (evening program/if available). 

July 9
9-12:00

14:00-17:00

Class 9: European Union and its impact on health care system in Turkey: European Union and their impact on health care system in Europe and Turkey.

No site visits: Completion of  projects; review of final exam; questions and answers

July 10
9-12:00

14:00-17:00

Class 10: Presentation of student projects; course evaluation: Final exam


Site visit: Topkapi Museum and Hippodrome: Blue Mosque, Hagia  Sophia and Basilica Cisterns  (underground water cisterns).

Farewell dinner with class (recommended).

July 11

End of program

 NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER
OR CANCEL THIS PROGRAM AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY!

The information contained in the program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be correct as of the date presented.  Northern Illinois University reserves the right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.      

Return to NIU Study Abroad website

April 2008