Success Story of the Six Students: UBD-KON,IIUM Exchange Programme

October 25, 2023

by
Muhammad Farhan Mahmud & Dr. Amirah Fatin Ibrahim

As the sun sets on a transformative chapter, six students from the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) bid farewell to the warm embrace of the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM. This marks the conclusion of a three-month odyssey that has left an indelible mark on both Universiti Brunei Darussalam and our esteemed Kulliyyah of Nursing at IIUM. “The emotion of everyone was impossible not to be emotional,” resonated through the air, capturing the profound impact this program had on all involved. It was a testament to the deep connections forged and the growth that unfolded.

The closing ceremony, a poignant affair held earlier today, provided a platform for an exchange of thoughts and feedback between the management and staff of Kulliyyah of Nursing and the exchange students, reflecting on their journey. Gratitude flowed freely as the students expressed their heartfelt thanks for the dedicated and motivated lecturers, clinical instructors, and staff of Kulliyyah of Nursing, who played an important role in their development and success as integral members of the KON community.

Their journey, succinctly summarized, took them through a whirlwind of experiences. Seven weeks in the medical, surgical, and orthopedic wards of the Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @IIUM (SASMEC @IIUM) provided them with a hands-on practical session and health education. They actively engaged in various nursing procedures, enhancing their practical skills and knowledge. Venturing beyond the wards, they had the chance to explore the critical area, emergency department, rehabilitation centre, operation theatre, and clinics within the prestigious SASMEC @IIUM. This comprehensive exposure enriched their understanding of healthcare operations, offering a holistic view of the field. A series of visits to the Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) was also a pivotal part of their experience, providing insight into the oncology unit, palliative care unit, psychiatric ward, and burn unit. This immersive experience broadened their perspective on healthcare delivery.

As the students bid farewell, the Kulliyyah of Nursing extended warm wishes for their future endeavors, emphasizing that they will forever be considered a part of the KON family. This sentiment underscores the enduring bonds formed through this enriching exchange program. The closing ceremony, held at the Kulliyyah’s Meeting Room, was a testament to the success of this collaborative venture. The session was attended by distinguished figures, including the Dean of Kulliyyah of Nursing, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan, Prof. Dr. Mohd Said Nurumal, and Dr. Abdul Alif Abdul Hamid, who chaired the session.

The session was further enriched by the presence of lecturers from the Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Department of Special Care Nursing, and the CSC Team, as well as the dedicated administrative staffs of KON. Their collective commitment to this exchange program underscored the potential for continued mutual growth, benefitting students, the nursing profession, and the ummah at large. The end of the Student Exchange Programme from UBD at Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, marking not just the end of a journey, but a celebration of growth and success. This program has paved the way for a legacy of knowledge-sharing between these esteemed institutions, shaping the future of healthcare professionals.