Written by Erik Joshua Mangaoang (SON, SNII)
Photos courtesy of Ajel Elaine Co (SNII, Jining Polytechnic Faculty)
School of Nursing students completed their clinical placements at Jining Cancer Hospital on May 27 as part of the requirements of their three-month student exchange program in China. As the students come to the end of their international program, the six UB-SON student nurses visited the specialist hospital to observe and gain exposure to oncology nursing in the Internal Medicine wards.
During the clinical placement, the students observed the teaching nurses on the routine activities that occur in a typical shift in the ward. The experience began with the endorsement of patients, during which patient conditions and care plans were reviewed and communicated to the incoming shift. The students also witnessed the preparation and administration of oncological medications and observed the insertion of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines. In addition, they were given the opportunity to explore the use of an ultrasound vein finder, an instrument utilized by the hospital to improve vascular access in these procedures.
Following the clinical exposure, the students participated in a small-group discussion with staff nurses and faculty members from the Nursing Department of Jining Polytechnic, with the leadership of Han Hui, one of the heads of the nursing department of Jining Polytechnic, and Li Fang, the head nurse of the hospital. The discussion focused on the students’ reflections on their clinical experiences as well as comparative insights into nursing education and practice in the Philippines and China. The exchange of ideas and perspectives provided valuable opportunities for learning. It also highlighted areas where both institutions can further enhance nursing education and clinical training.
On June 1, the students also toured the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, one of the largest healthcare institutions in the region, and a Category III, Class A hospital under China’s hospital classification system. During the visit, they were immersed in the Medical Aesthetic Clinic, where they were introduced to emerging technologies and innovations in aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery. The students were also brought to the Orthopedic Ward, where they toured the facility, interacted with patients, and observed various treatment procedures and nursing interventions being implemented for individuals with orthopedic conditions.
These clinical immersions provided the students with valuable opportunities to broaden their understanding of healthcare systems beyond the Philippines, while strengthening their clinical knowledge, cultural competence, and appreciation for international nursing practices. Through direct engagement with healthcare professionals and patients in diverse clinical settings, the exchange program continues to equip future nurses with the global perspective and adaptability needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected healthcare environment.
The clinical placement and immersion activities done by the students reflect the school’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing students with meaningful firsthand exposure to international healthcare standards and practices, the program supports SDG 4: Quality Education. It also contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by enhancing the patient-centered care skills of the students and preparing them for their future careers in healthcare. Furthermore, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals is exemplified through the collaboration among the University of Baguio, Jining Polytechnic, Jining Cancer Hospital, and the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, fostering cooperation toward the advancement of global healthcare and nursing education. Through these meaningful experiences, the students gained not only clinical expertise but also a broader global perspective, preparing them to become compassionate, competent, and globally minded future nursing graduates of the University of Baguio.
