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Julie Bliss

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course has been created for refugees, displaced people and the communities supporting them in the MENA (Middle East and Northern Africa) region who wish to study nursing or a healthcare-related course at a university in English. It has been created as part of the However, it will also be of interest to anyone looking to develop their knowledge of nursing and healthcare. Supported by UK aid - Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education, Innovation and Reform

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course has been created for refugees, displaced people and the communities supporting them in the MENA (Middle East and Northern Africa) region who wish to study nursing or a healthcare-related course at a university in English. It has been created as part of the However, it will also be of interest to anyone looking to develop their knowledge of nursing and healthcare. Supported by UK aid - Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education, Innovation and Reform

Topics Covered

  • The roles and unique contributions of nurses globally
  • Principles and applications of Holistic care within a local context
  • How nursing can support people and communities to care for themselves
  • The role of nurses in public health, and the role of World Health Organisation
  • The triple impact of nursing. How nursing can improve health; promote gender equality; and contribute towards stronger economies

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Reviews summary

Global foundation in nursing roles

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful introduction to nursing, particularly excelling in its focus on the diverse roles nurses play globally. Learners found the lectures clear and content well-organized, making it an excellent starting point for beginners. While it provides a solid foundational understanding and highlights critical areas like the triple impact of nursing and the WHO's role, some reviews indicate it might feel too high-level or basic for those with prior healthcare knowledge seeking more in-depth practical examples.
Features clear, well-organized content from expert instructors.
"The lectures were clear, and the accompanying readings were very helpful. The instructors from King's College London were exceptional."
"Content was well-organized, and the pace was perfect for a self-learner. Highly recommend for those exploring the field."
"The instructors were engaging, and the content was easy to follow. The material was easy to digest."
Serves as a strong foundational course for newcomers.
"A solid foundation for anyone new to nursing. It definitely met my expectations as a general interest learner."
"As a refugee preparing for university, this course was exactly what I needed. It clarified so many aspects of nursing roles and expectations."
"Absolutely brilliant. As someone completely new to the medical field, this was a fantastic entry point."
Highlights the universal and varied roles of nurses.
"This course provided an incredibly comprehensive and insightful introduction to nursing, particularly highlighting the diverse roles globally."
"As someone looking to pursue nursing abroad, the global perspective was invaluable. It truly expanded my understanding beyond my local context."
"I loved this course! It's so important to understand the global context of nursing, and this course delivered perfectly."
Focuses on broad concepts, less on specific practical examples.
"Some parts felt a bit high-level, and I wished for more practical examples, but for an introduction, it was very good."
"While it touched on many topics, I felt some areas could have been explored in more depth. It's a great starting point, though."
"My main critique is that while it mentions global roles, it sometimes felt a bit high-level without enough specific case studies..."
May be too basic or high-level for learners with prior knowledge.
"The course is okay, but I found some of the material a bit dry, especially if you're already somewhat familiar with healthcare basics."
"It's definitely for beginners. I was hoping for more challenging content or deeper dives into specific areas."
"The course felt a bit basic. Good for absolute beginners, but if you have any prior medical knowledge, you might find it repetitive."

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Nursing: The Role of Nurses Around the World will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Nursing: The Role of Nurses Around the World.
Another leading medical-surgical nursing textbook, this resource offers in-depth coverage of adult health conditions, focusing on assessment, pathophysiology, and collaborative care. It is highly relevant for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as practicing nurses. The book is known for its clear writing style and focus on clinical reasoning.
Considered a foundational classic in nursing literature, this book by Florence Nightingale outlines her principles of nursing practice, emphasizing the importance of sanitation, observation, and the patient's environment. While some concepts are dated, it offers invaluable historical context and insights into the origins of modern nursing. It must-read for understanding the historical trajectory of the profession.
This compelling narrative tells the story of Henrietta Lacks and the impact of her cells (HeLa cells) on medical research, raising crucial ethical questions about consent, race, and scientific advancement. It must-read for understanding the historical and ethical complexities intertwined with medical breakthroughs. It is valuable for providing background on bioethics and the history of medical research.
Tells the poignant story of a Hmong family and their interactions with the American healthcare system, highlighting the profound impact of cultural differences on patient care. It classic in medical anthropology and a must-read for understanding the importance of cultural competence and communication in healthcare. It is valuable for providing a deeper understanding of the social and cultural determinants of health.
Dives into the contemporary topic of artificial intelligence in healthcare. It explores how AI can revolutionize diagnosis, treatment, and the patient-physician relationship. It is highly relevant to the provided course names and offers insights into the future of healthcare delivery, suitable for those interested in technology's impact on the field.
A seminal work on the social determinants of health, this book argues that health inequities are a matter of social injustice. It provides a strong evidence base for understanding how social and economic factors drive health outcomes, a critical concept in global health.
Gawande explores the power of checklists in improving performance and reducing errors in various fields, including healthcare. is considered a must-read for its practical insights into improving patient safety and quality of care. It offers valuable lessons applicable to healthcare professionals and administrators.
Investigates the hidden costs and opaque pricing in the American healthcare system. It is highly relevant to contemporary discussions about healthcare affordability and transparency. It offers insights into the economic forces driving healthcare costs and potential solutions, suitable for anyone interested in the financial aspects of healthcare.
Focuses on the practical implementation of AI in healthcare from a leadership perspective. It is highly relevant to contemporary topics and provides a strategic framework for integrating AI solutions within healthcare organizations. It is particularly useful for professionals and graduate students interested in the operational aspects of AI in healthcare.
Examines successful healthcare models in other countries and proposes solutions for fixing the US healthcare system. It is highly relevant to contemporary discussions about healthcare reform and provides practical insights for improving value and reducing costs. It is suitable for professionals and policymakers interested in healthcare innovation.
Emphasizes the role of political systems and policies in shaping health outcomes and creating health inequities. It argues that addressing the political determinants of health is essential for achieving health equity. This crucial read for understanding the root causes of health disparities.
Geared towards students pursuing advanced practice nursing roles, this book covers the core knowledge and skills required for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. It key resource for graduate-level students and advanced practice nurses.
Ethics are fundamental to global health practice and research. provides a solid introduction to the ethical considerations and dilemmas that arise in global health work, making it highly relevant for students and professionals. It uses case studies to explore complex ethical issues.
Designed for nurses working in critical care settings, this book provides in-depth coverage of the assessment, diagnosis, and management of critically ill patients. It is highly relevant for advanced practice nurses and nurses seeking to specialize in critical care. The book includes evidence-based guidelines and management strategies.
Written by a neurosurgeon diagnosed with terminal cancer, this memoir offers a poignant reflection on life, death, and the doctor-patient relationship. It provides valuable insights for nurses on empathy, communication, and end-of-life care. This is impactful additional reading for all healthcare professionals.
Explores the impact of digital technologies, such as mobile devices and big data, on healthcare and the empowerment of patients. It is highly relevant to contemporary topics like digital health and data science in healthcare. It provides insights into how technology is changing the patient experience and the delivery of care.
This foundational text in the field of biomedical ethics, outlining key principles that guide decision-making in healthcare. While not a recent publication, it timeless classic essential for understanding the ethical dimensions of healthcare practice and policy. It must-read for students and professionals at all levels. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions.
Aims to demystify AI, machine learning, and deep learning for a healthcare audience. It is highly relevant to the contemporary courses listed and is useful for gaining a foundational understanding of these technologies and their applications in healthcare. It is suitable for a broad audience, including those without a strong technical background.
Authored by leading figures in global health, this book offers a critical and interdisciplinary perspective on the field. It delves into the social, economic, and political determinants of health, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities of global health challenges. This valuable resource for both introductory and more advanced learners.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to global health, covering a wide range of topics from infectious diseases to health systems and disparities. It is designed for students and professionals and offers a well-rounded understanding of global health challenges.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods of epidemiology. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about the science of public health.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods of health policy and politics. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about the political process and how it affects health policy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods of global public health. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about the health challenges facing the world today.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues that arise in public health practice. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about the ethical dimensions of public health.
Delves into the ethical challenges and decision-making processes encountered in nursing practice. It provides a framework for analyzing ethical dilemmas and promoting ethical conduct. This is highly relevant given the course mention of Ethical Decision-Making in Care and is valuable for all levels of nurses.
Through a series of compelling essays, Gawande explores the inherent uncertainties and fallibilities of medicine and surgery. deepens understanding by offering an honest and insightful look at the realities of clinical practice, medical errors, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. It is valuable for gaining a nuanced perspective on the delivery of care.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of health economics. It is essential for understanding the economic forces that shape healthcare systems, markets, and policy. It is commonly used in undergraduate and graduate health economics courses and serves as a valuable reference tool.
Offers a critical examination of the historical and ongoing impact of colonialism on global health practices and inequities. It challenges conventional approaches and encourages readers to consider the power dynamics inherent in global health work. This is particularly relevant for advanced students and professionals seeking a deeper, more critical understanding.
This practical guide helps nursing students master dosage calculations using the dimensional analysis method. It provides clear explanations and ample practice problems, making it a useful reference tool for a fundamental nursing skill. is particularly helpful for students building foundational math skills for nursing.
While not strictly a nursing book, this text provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological processes underlying various diseases. A strong grasp of pathophysiology is fundamental for nurses to understand patient conditions and provide appropriate care. This is an excellent reference for students at all levels and practicing nurses.
Focuses on the unique healthcare needs of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, as well as the care of newborns and children. It is an essential resource for students and nurses specializing in maternal-child health. The book integrates family-centered care throughout.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the structure, organization, and delivery of healthcare in the United States. It is often used as a textbook in undergraduate and graduate healthcare administration programs. It provides essential background knowledge for understanding how the US healthcare system functions.
Paul Farmer's work consistently highlights the link between infectious diseases and social inequalities. explores how poverty and social determinants exacerbate the burden of infectious diseases globally. It's a powerful read for understanding the social justice aspects of global health.
Offers a comparative perspective on healthcare systems around the world. It helps broaden understanding by examining how other developed nations provide healthcare to their citizens. It is valuable for understanding different models and challenging assumptions about the US system, suitable for a wide audience including high school and undergraduate students.
Focusing on the essential skills for nurse leaders and managers, this book covers topics such as organizational behavior, change management, and quality improvement. It is relevant for students preparing for leadership roles and for current nurse managers. helps nurses develop the skills needed to navigate the complexities of healthcare systems.
This text provides a focused approach to pediatric nursing, highlighting the essential knowledge and skills needed to care for infants, children, and adolescents. It valuable resource for students and nurses pursuing a career in pediatrics. The book addresses growth and development, common pediatric illnesses, and family-centered care.
This compelling narrative tells the story of Dr. Paul Farmer and his work in global health. While not a textbook, it provides invaluable insight into the realities of delivering healthcare in resource-limited settings and the dedication required to address health inequities. It's an inspiring read that complements more academic texts.
Provides a practical introduction to US health policy, focusing on its impact on clinical practice. It is valuable for understanding how policies are made and how they influence healthcare delivery. It is suitable for students and professionals who need to navigate the policy landscape in healthcare.
Understanding different health systems is crucial in global health. compares various strategies for delivering health services across different countries, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different models. It useful reference for those interested in health policy and systems.
Provides a concise and accessible overview of the key concepts and principles of public health. It great resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the field.
Provides a concise and accessible overview of the key concepts and principles of public health. It great resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the field.
This collection compiles seminal works on the concept of caring in nursing, exploring its theoretical underpinnings and practical applications. It offers a deeper understanding of the art and science of nursing and is valuable for students and professionals interested in the philosophical aspects of nursing.
Exploring the role of technology and information management in nursing practice, this book covers electronic health records, data analysis, and patient safety. It is relevant for students and professionals navigating the increasingly digital healthcare landscape, addressing a key contemporary topic.
Considered a classic in healthcare literature, this book provides a detailed historical analysis of the development of the American healthcare system and the medical profession. While not a recent publication, it offers crucial context for understanding the current landscape and is essential reading for those seeking a deep understanding of healthcare's evolution. It is more valuable as additional reading for historical context than a current reference.
Understanding the history of pandemics is vital for comprehending current global health security challenges. offers a detailed account of the 1918 influenza pandemic, providing historical context for infectious disease outbreaks and public health responses. It's a valuable resource for historical perspective.
Provides an overview of key nursing theories and their application to practice. Understanding nursing theory is essential for developing a strong theoretical foundation for nursing care. This is particularly relevant for undergraduate and graduate students exploring the theoretical underpinnings of nursing.

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