Global Health Program Annual Report 2021

A Nursing Professor’s
Perspective in Teaching
During a Pandemic
Monica Sousa
Ed.D, ACNS-BC, APRN
Professor of Nursing at Western
Connecticut State University
Students and faculty all had their challenges when school went
virtual. Students had to be more independent learners and active in
their learning. They had to juggle being home and finding quiet time
to complete their coursework all while managing the stresses of
the pandemic. Students faced tremendous stressors at home with
family members losing their jobs, caring for sick family members,
everyone in the family at home needing to share the internet at the
same time, and ensuring stable Wi-Fi access. Faculty had to adjust
to learn new ways of teaching and engaging students so that they
did not fall behind. Faculty had to convert spaces in their homes for work, along with creating a space
for their children to learn remotely. Faculty had similar stressors as their students did with caring for sick
ones or their partners losing their jobs and worries about how they were going to manage financially.
What we all went through that first year and continue to deal with each day shows how resilient we
are, how resourceful we are, how we overcome challenges and hardships, and how we continue to
move forward for our students and each other. We have all learned many lessons and skills that we will
continue to use in the future. The pandemic shook our lives, but we have now found stable ground.
Nursing Education:
Train-the-Trainer Model to Share
Information and Practice Across the
World to Improve Global Health
With the growth of technology and media, global health endeavors have become increasingly evident
and possible. This increased visibility provides an opportunity to critically consider global health
efforts. Train-the-trainer model of education can play an important role in building trust, improving
communication, development of leadership, and facilitating sustainability in the global nursing process.
Tara Zacharzuk-Marciano, PhD, RN
Lead Nurse Educator for Surgical Services HealthQuest Legacy and Lead Nurse Planner ANCC, Professional Development
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