On March 11, 2014, nurses gathered from U of T, Ryerson University and York University for the three-hour “Going Glocal: being a global citizen internationally and at home” conference. Organized by Globally Interested Nurses and hosted by the Nursing Undergraduate Society at Bloomberg Nursing, students from Bloomberg Nursing, Ryerson University and York University were in attendance “GIN seeks to increase awareness of nursing leadership in global activities” explains Leah Orvis Sr. Globally Interested Nurses (GIN) Representative. “We also hope to elicit interest in participation in these global activities on a local and global scale.”
These are large objectives for a small group of dedicated students, but GIN organizers are determined to be successful. “We offer support to nurses who may want to work globally through providing language instruction during lunch hours, screening documentaries dedicated to international health initiatives, fundraising for various organizations, and by hosting the GIN conference each year” continues Orvis.
For 2014, the conference focused on creating student excitement and knowledge around global initiatives that students can participate in both locally and internationally. The evening began with a series of panel discussions lead by Director, Global Affairs Freida Chavez, Associate Professor Denise Gastaldo, and Cross-cultural Communications Trainer Daphne Magna. After these discussions, the group moved into break-out sessions with these globally-minded leaders for a more intimate discussion.
“Global initiatives are important to GIN,” says Orvis. “The provide students with the opportunity to share and expand their knowledge and clinical experience beyond Canada, and improve the quality of nursing and nursing care in our backyard and abroad.”
“To be joined by our peers from Ryerson and York Universities was a great opportunity to share knowledge and experience.”