Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) continues to work with Vladimir Medical College to host visitors from Russia in the fall and to offer MCN students the opportunity to participate in the MCN Transcultural Experience in Russia in the spring.
This fall, MCN welcomed two nursing students, Zoia Kharitonova and Marina Ratnikova, Director of Nursing Programs Olga Antropova, and English Professor and translator Nina Bedova, all from Vladimir Medical College for a two-week visit to the United States. The group arrived October 19. Transcultural Coordinator Melissa Moody and Transcultural Faculty Director Lynn Kennell planned the visitors’ schedule with the assistance of the MCN nursing students who traveled to Russia in May 2015.
The visitors presented to the Student Nurses Association about Vladimir Medical College and the city of Vladimir. The group visited classes—Public Health, Psychomotor Skills, Psych-Mental Health class, Adult Nursing II, Maternal Infant—toured the Nursing Simulation Lab, and spent a day in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation.
“The timing of their visit this year was great,” said Moody. “They were able to participate in several Homecoming events, including the parade and tailgate. They also attended the football game, which they thoroughly enjoyed. It was their first time attending a football game in the United States.”
In addition to spending time on campus and visiting various classes and labs, they also toured several medical centers around Central Illinois including Advocate BroMenn, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, OSF St. Francis Medical Center, and the McLean County Health Department.
“We appreciate these facilities welcoming our Russian visitors,” said Kennell. “We have several alumni who were able to help us facilitate these visits, and would like to thank Janessa Jenkins, B.S.N. ’06, and Jenna Ford, B.S.N. ’09, who helped with tours at OSF St. Francis, and Sue Grant, B.S.N. ’95, at the Health Department. Laura Wiley, B.S.N. ’02, from Advocate BroMenn, and Kelly Schuler from OSF St. Joseph were wonderful giving tours as well.”
The group toured Uptown Normal, the David Davis Mansion, downtown Bloomington, Ewing Manor, and University Galleries. Moody and Kennell also took their visitors to New Salem and Springfield to tour Lincoln’s home and tomb as well as see the Capitol Building. MCN Associate Professor Wendy Woith took them to Chicago for a day of sightseeing with Tom Carroll. MCN nursing students took the visiting students to Radar Farms, Miller Park Zoo, and shopping during their two-week stay. Antropova and Bedova were always entertained by their virtual travels with their host, Judie Bey.
“Without the help and support of so many people this valuable exchange would not be possible,” said Moody. “I would like to thank Interim Dean (H. Catherine) Miller; the faculty, staff, and students at MCN; the ISU community; and community friends of MCN who helped welcome our Russian friends. I would also like to give a special thank you to our host homes for welcoming them into their homes and providing such attention and care.”
To view more pictures of their visit the MCN Flickr site.
