Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photo by: Joseph A. Bautista
The University of the Philippines College of Nursing (UPCN) is exploring a collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland to strengthen the advanced practice of nursing in the Philippines.
This partnership is in line with UPCN’s proposed Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) which includes a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice. The collaboration will be facilitated through the support of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the British Council.
“They’re (UPCN) always looking beyond the role of nurses, outside of what they usually practice,” said Dr. Bernadette Heizel M. Reyes, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, during the seminar titled “Advanced Nursing Practice through Transnational Education” on April 11, 2024 at UPCN Auditorium. She added that the UPCN explores the larger role that nurses may play in caring for their patients.
She highlighted the change in viewpoint at the UPCN, where nursing was no longer viewed as a four-year course but as a lifelong path of continual learning and growth.
Also during the event, UPCN Dean Shiela R. Bonito discussed the evolution of the MSN program, focusing on the Advanced Clinical Practice track. This curriculum integrates advanced theory, clinical practice, and research to equip nurses for complex healthcare challenges.
“Through the transnational education program, nurses can gain exposure to advanced practices in other countries to expand their knowledge and skills,” asserted Dean Bonito.
Pierre Pecson, Head of Education for British Council Philippines described transnational education as educational opportunities for students from one country to another that allow them to gain qualifications from both institutions.
“It is high time for this Transnational Education (TNE) program to be made possible through partnership with the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) and the British Council Philippines,” stated Pecson.
Assistant Professor Arnold B. Peralta, head of the UPCN Teaching Program,explained how the articulation program will provide pathways for students to advance from postgraduate certificate to MSN.
“Students who have completed a postgraduate certificate in nursing can seamlessly articulate into a master’s program, with credits from their previous coursework acknowledged and applied toward their advanced degree,” said Asst. Prof. Peralta.
The revised MSN program is designed to produce advanced practice nurses who have an expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills, and clinical or public health competencies who can serve in health facilities and community settings as clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners.
“The knowledge possessed by advanced clinical practitioners plays a crucial role in developing and sustaining the capacity and capability of our future healthcare workforce,” asserted Hazel McPhillips, MSc, Programme Lead of Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice, Edinburgh Napier University.
She discussed the Advanced Clinical Practice program at Edinburgh Napier University. The program is designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare delivery systems worldwide. With a focus on problem-based learning, leadership, and clinical excellence. The program will prepare graduates to assume advanced roles in patient care, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
“This event has expanded our understanding of the evolving role of nurses in delivering quality care and driving positive change in healthcare systems,” Dr. Vivien Fe F. Fadrilan-Camacho, Director, Office of International and Local Linkages said in her message.
The TNE program is under the directive of the Commission on Higher Education CHED CMO No. 62 series of 2016. It enables Philippine higher education institutions to collaborate with foreign universities to offer joint degree programs, aiming to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of Philippine higher education. ■
