Since 2009, students from the BYU College of Nursing have completed their practicums in the Chi Mei Hospital system, including Liouying and Chiayi Branches in Tainan, Taiwan led by Dr. Ryan Rasmussen, Dr. Stacie Hunsaker, and Professor Linda Orchard.
Students in Taiwan volunteer both in the hospital and on a number of home visits around the country. BYU nursing students have the opportunity to shadow nurses who work in Taiwan’s advanced healthcare system. These dedicated Taiwanese nurses ensure the students feel comfortable and actively participate in the learning process, even when feeling fatigued by the language barrier.
As the students worked in the hospitals, they saw how these nurses treated their patients with kindness and compassion. “Taiwanese nurses are extremely respectful of their patients, and very kind to them,” says Dr. Stacie Hunsaker. “They really do treat each other like family, not necessarily a nurse patient relationship.” A unique aspect of Taiwan’s healthcare is the family members involvement in providing supplies.
Students like Regan Hoppe and Viviane Cardoso alongside Dr. Hunsaker, witnessed the respect patients afforded their nurses, particularly during home visits. For example, a student visited the home of a 90-year old woman, who when she heard that Americans were coming, put on her best dress. Regan attended the home of a 90-year old patient who needed home care. He serenaded the nurses with a song, and Regan was impressed at how he could still play a complicated piece on the piano.
In other cases, the Taiwanese nurses went beyond their usual, prescribed duties. Viviane went to the home of a woman in her mid-40s. The nurse mentioned that she would shave the patient’s hair as a courtesy to the patient, in spite of this not being a normal nurse’s job. “Just by looking at that patient, you could see how happy she was,” shared Viviane.
During a rotation in the emergency room on another rotation day, Regan saw a doctor treat a young boy who had broken his wrist in a radial fracture. She was impressed with how well behaved the boy was and how little he cried. “They don’t give pain medication or sedation and let the kids feel the pain,” said Regan. “This child was completely silent, yet there were tears streaming down his face. It was hard to watch, and I even had tears in my eyes.” Regan was impressed with the trust that this child had in his doctor.
Viviane noticed how these nurses would ask consent for any action even when the patient was unconscious, something she was taught but hasn’t seen in practice. This reinforced her commitment to never lose sight of the human element in nursing. “I hope I don’t get too involved in my job that I forget I’m dealing with a human being,” she reflected.
One nurse, Jane, exemplified the dedication of the Taiwanese nurses. She saved all her vacation days to spend time with the BYU students, assisting with translations and ensuring they felt comfortable. “It wouldn’t be the same without Jane,” said Professor Orchard, highlighting the deep connections formed during the practicum.
They really do treat each other like family, not necessarily a nurse patient relationship.
Taiwan Culture
As part of their rotations, students also explored traditional medicinal practices such as acupuncture, acupressure, and cupping. They learned the principles behind these techniques and even experienced treatments firsthand.
Additionally, they observed pharmacists making herbal medications using plants, insects, and salts, blending ancient remedies with modern medicine. These techniques have been around for millennia and are complemented by more westernized solutions. These tinctures are ordered by patients as additional or alternative medication to those prescribed by a primary care physician.
Nurses in Taiwan are attuned to the spiritual needs of their patients, which is one of the reasons why the directors include visits to religious sites including Buddhist temples: the Longshan Temple and the Foguang Shan Monastery and Museum in Kaohsiung. Regan and fellow students had the opportunity to participate in a ritual called “washing the Buddha.” The action symbolizes washing away impurities to enhance morality and spiritual purity. As the students participated, the Buddhist priests were impressed to see the reverence with which they treated the practice and their eagerness in understanding the ritual.
Another opportunity to connect with religious practice was in a visit to the Thao tribe indigenous community who have been on the island for thousands of years after migrating from Polynesia and have lived near Sun Moon Lake since the Qing Dynasty. Their ancestral name translates to "human." The community performed traditional dances and other indigenous cultural celebrations.
The Global & Population Health Nursing Clinical Practicum is an immersive experience designed to improve clinical skills, enhance cultural sensitivity, and prepare students to provide healthcare in any setting. With the completion of the practicum, students are encouraged to emulate the Taiwanese examples of respecting religious traditions, going the extra mile, and prioritizing mentorship opportunities as they progress in their careers.
