International Exchange Programs: Professional Development and Benefits to Oncology Nursing Practice

The benefits of international immersion programs are multifactorial. These programs not only allow the sharing of nursing best practices and models of care and education, but they also increase collaborative opportunities to develop shared research ideas and innovation. This article presents the practicalities and considerations when undertaking an immersion program, with exemplars from the authors’ experience and the unique and invaluable outcomes that were achieved.

AT A GLANCE

• Oncology nursing practice can vary across the world, with unique best practices across diverse care sites.
• Immersion programs can support the exchange of ideas and best practices to enhance oncology care globally.
• Formalized exchange or immersion programs provide a context for professional development in oncology nursing practice.