You don't want to miss this.       Dear National Association of School Nurses Members, At the Invitation of Dr. Sumaya AlBlooshi, Director of Nursing, Ministry of Health and Prevention, United Arab Emirates, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) is developing a delegation to visit the UAE, for a high-level, in-depth international exchange. The goal of this delegation is to foster one-on-one dialogue with our UAE nursing counterparts. As ARIN President, I am honored to represent NASN and lead this important delegation. Our delegation will visit Abu Dhabi and Dubai, May 27- June 2, 2023. I invite you to join me and other members of the NASN, to participate in this important international exchange. Under the direction of Dr. AlBlooshi, in her role as head of the UAE Supreme National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery, the task force charged with the implementation of the UAE National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery-Roadmap 2025, our delegation will meet with our counterparts, visit their facilities and share challenges and best practices. The Preliminary Schedule of Activities has been developed based on the following topics of discussion. These topics may change based on the final composition and professional areas of expertise of the delegation members. You will be asked for your input as part of the professional program development upon enrollment. Preliminary Topics of Discussion: School Nursing Practice - model, data collection, chronic health conditions, immunizations Health Education Curriculum Children's Health Care - collaboration between school and medical provider/hospital Health and Education Agencies - regulations Our Delegation will visit elementary, middle, and secondary schools. We will meet with school nurses, support staff, and school administrators. We will visit a university to understand the nursing education structure and learn about the standards and licensing for school nurses. We will also have time to explore Abu Dhabi and Dubai, learning about the rich history, culture, and cuisine of the region. Our Delegation will convene in Abu Dhabi on May 27, 2023, and conclude in Dubai on June 2, 2023. The Citizen Ambassador Program, a division of Cultural Vistas, a non-profit, US NGO, is responsible for the coordination and logistics planning for this delegation. Based in Washington DC, and with over 35 years of experience, developing and implementing professional exchanges, their team will ensure the success of our delegation. The team at the Citizen Ambassador Program is responsible for all logistics, planning, and travel associated with this delegation The Citizen Ambassador Program has its roots in the United States Department of State, under the Eisenhower Administration. During the Kennedy administration, the model for a professional counterpart exchange program was moved to the private sector and the vision for the Citizen Ambassador Program, as a private citizen initiative, was launched. As Citizen Ambassador Programs are private-citizen initiatives, delegates are responsible for their own program costs. The estimated cost per delegate is $4350 USD. This includes all activities, both professional and cultural, as specified in the preliminary schedule of activities, ground transportation, accommodations, most meals, and essentially all other costs associated with participation. International Airfare is not included as delegates will be invited from across the United States. The program cost may be tax deductible as a continuing education expense. As each individual’s financial situation is different; please contact your personal tax advisor for applicability. To become a member of our Delegation please complete the NASN Citizen Ambassador Program Application form. I encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will limit the size of the delegation to ensure and in-depth, productive, exchange with our counterparts. A waiting list will be developed should the delegation meet the maximum number. I encourage you to invite a travel companion to share this unique experience with you. A parallel program focused on the culture of the UAE will be arranged for your accompanying guest while you attend the professional sessions. Guest will participate in all non-professional program activities, including transfers, meals, and cultural activities. Cultural activities for guests will include unique visits to historical and cultural sites, and an opportunity to meet with UAE citizens for a people-to-people experience. As a NASN member, I believe you would contribute valued expertise to the team while gaining both personally and professionally from the experience. Due to the extensive planning and communication involved in coordinating a program of this nature, I ask that you respond with your intentions regarding this invitation no later than February 27th, 2023. In the event that you are unable to accept this invitation, an alternate delegate may be invited. You may also recommend a colleague as your alternate for the program, or as a qualified professional who would add to the professional dialog. I hope to hear from you whether you are able to join our delegation or not. If you have questions regarding the delegation, I encourage you to contact Dawn Davis, Director, Citizen Ambassador Programs, or Kasey McKevitt, Assistant Program Officer, at 202-545-7034, or via email at [email protected]. I am pleased to be involved in this exciting opportunity and hope you will strongly consider participating in the delegation. NASN Citizen Ambassador Program Application form Sincerely, Linda Mendonca Delegation Leader, NASN Delegation to the UAE, 2023 View as Webpage National Association of School Nurses | 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 925, Silver Spring, MD 20910 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]