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From Small-Town Iowa to Global Impact: Miriam Chickering’s Journey with Nurses International
In a recent interview on Iowa Public Radio (IPR) News’ “Talk of Iowa” show, Our Founder, Miriam Chickering, who is also the CEO of NextGenU.org, shared her inspiring journey from a small-town nurse to a global healthcare education innovator. Her story is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and the transformative impact of nursing education.
Iowa Global Volunteer Corps: A Gathering of Changemakers
On August 5th 2024, 63 volunteers from various Iowa nonprofits gathered for the first meeting of the Iowa Global Volunteer Corps. Led by Del Christianson, Executive Director of Iowa Resource for International Service, this diverse group represented professions ranging from agriculture and business to healthcare and nursing. Their mission: showcase the global impact of Iowa-based organizations and inspire more Iowans to volunteer locally and internationally.
Miriam Chickering was featured on the Iowa Global Volunteer Corps radio program episode hosted on the Talk of Iowa show alongside Steve Noah, who has spent many years working in East Africa, particularly in Rwanda, helping the country recover from genocide. This initiative, spearheaded by Del Christianson, aims to foster global exchange in Iowa and beyond.
A Small Town that Gave the World
Miriam’s journey began in Manning, Iowa, a small town that, in her words, “gave me the world.” As an RN working the evening shift, Miriam covered multiple roles – from the ER to the psych ward, maternity to end-of-life care. This diverse experience and the unwavering support of her community, supervisors, and physicians laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
“I came to this little town, and it gave me the world,” Miriam reflected, encapsulating how a small beginning can lead to global impact – much like Nurses International.
The Birth of a Vision
While mentoring nursing students in Manning, Miriam discovered her passion for nursing education. As she prepared lessons, she realized the critical need for accessible online educational resources for nursing students worldwide. This realization became the seed that would grow into Nurses International.
Addressing Global Nursing Education Challenges
Miriam recognized that the nursing profession’s constantly evolving nature demanded continuous training and education. However, designing a universally applicable nursing curriculum posed significant challenges due to varying conditions across different regions.
To address this, Miriam envisioned:
- Bringing together instructional designers, curriculum experts, and subject matter specialists
- Creating high-quality, standardized curricula
- Developing easily adaptable content for global use
Nurses International: Opening Doors Worldwide
Today, Nurses International (NI) stands as a testament to Miriam’s vision. With a network of over 200 nursing professionals and educators worldwide, NI is redefining nursing education and elevating healthcare standards globally.
NI’s impact extends beyond individual learners:
- Partnering with NextGenU.org to offer free access to comprehensive course materials
- Developing innovative educational initiatives to drive advancements in nursing education
- Expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities worldwide
Miriam shared how she reached out to nurses in Burundi and how volunteers have been vital in content creation for the past 11 years. She also shared the impact of our Oncology Nursing course which gained popularity and is in wide use by nurses, as well as physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers in South Africa.
Join the Movement
Nurses International offers two membership programs for those inspired to contribute:
- Clinical Alliance: Advancing nursing competency worldwide through the Clinical Competency Framework (CCF)
- Academic Network: Providing expanded teaching resources and fostering dialogue among global nursing educators
From Iowa to the World
Miriam’s journey, from covering multiple roles in a small Iowa hospital to leading global healthcare education initiatives, exemplifies the far-reaching impact of dedication and vision. Her story, shared as part of the Iowa Global Volunteer Corps’ inaugural meeting, serves as an inspiration for healthcare professionals everywhere.
As Nurses International continues to grow and impact lives globally, it remains true to its vision: “Improving the health of the world, one person, one nurse, one community at a time.”
You can listen to the full interview here; Miriam’s segment begins at minute 32.
Samantha Baboolal
Author
Nurses International is a non-profit entirely focused on helping nurses obtain the education and the support they need to make a difference in developing nations worldwide.
We connect colleges and institutions with experts who can take their nursing programs to the next level. We help establish new nursing programs where they’re needed most. And we eliminate the barriers that stand between students and education.
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Nurses International is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit.
EIN: 46-4502500
EIN: 46-4502500