A world-class city filled with art and culture and an incredible campus that offers cutting edge resources–that’s what students receive at Penn Nursing. And that’s just the start. Penn Nursing and the wider university offer something for everyone, as well as a lifelong community.

Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.

Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.

Penn Nursing is the #1-ranked nursing school in the world. Its highly-ranked programs help develop highly-skilled leaders in health care who are prepared to work alongside communities to tackle issues of health equity and social justice to improve health and wellness for everyone.

Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education. From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.

Breanna Trainor, Nu’22

“I am currently participating in the GRIP Nursing Research Program at the Trinity College of Dublin (TCD) in Ireland. I decided to apply because the opportunity to spend a summer abroad in Ireland excited me.

June 30, 2021
Breanna Trainor, Nu'22
Breanna Trainor, Nu’22

When looking into this program I came across the TechChild project that investigates an anthropological perspective of the initiation of technology dependence to sustain a child’s life.

Planning to pursue a career in pediatric nursing, applying to this program was a no-brainer.

Not long after applying, I discovered that all GRIP programs would be virtual for the summer, but this didn’t scare me off. Virtual or not, this program presented a unique opportunity to apply what I’ve learned about nursing research through my first three years at Penn to an actual research project.

Additionally, I always wanted to dip my toes into research but never had the opportunity due to my hectic schedule during the school year. With no conflicting summer plans, I made the easy decision to go forward with the virtual GRIP program.

Sure. I’d prefer to be in Dublin right now, but after a few days into my internship, I am delighted with my decision to stick with it.

My supervisor, colleagues, and peers are all very warm and supportive. The TCD staff has carefully fostered a welcoming environment aimed at enhancing our knowledge and research skills.

At the same time, they are doing their best to immerse us into the Irish culture. For example, they gave us a virtual tour of TCD, gave us a bucket list of places to see and things to do if we ever visit Ireland, and are planning to invite some of the current international TCD students to our weekly check-in meetings to simulate a more cultural experience.

Aside from everything I am learning about research and the Irish culture, the virtual nature of this internship allows me to work “on my own time,” which gives me more freedom in my schedule than a typical in-person internship.

Additionally, being virtual allows me to work from wherever I want. This is great for the summer as I am able to travel within the United States while I am still immersing myself in the GRIP experience. For example, here’s a picture of me working from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Meeting with the team from the balcony in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

This is not a traditional GRIP experience, but by optimizing the virtual nature of this internship, I plan to have a fun-filled summer of adventures within the United States while gaining new skills and participating in this unique global experience. I may not be in Ireland this summer, but that won’t stop me from visiting in the future.”

Originally published on the Penn Abroad Blog.

To submit your own story, visit www.nursing.upenn.edu/humans.