Application Process

Step 1: Create Your Dossier

Comprising parts A & B (below)

Students must pay an administrative fee of $50.00 in the form of a cheque, payable to McMaster University, including Global Health Application Fee in the memo line. Submit the cheque and following documents to Kelly Edge in HSC-2J36 (kedge@mcmaster.ca) by 4:00 pm on Thursday November 15, 2012

A: Letter of Intent (LOI)

*If you are not selecting one of the recommended placements, you need to speak with Kelly Edge regarding the feasibility of your placement before submitting your letter of intent.

• 3-page limit, 1" margins, 10- point font, single-spaced, in the signature area, include your name, site, McMaster student number and McMaster e-mail address.
• describe your two main learning goals.
• indicate your geographic preference (country or region) and why.
• indicate if you are considering a hospital, community-based or primary care setting and why.
• your knowledge of the setting you are visiting, i.e. geography, history, demographics, health care system, priority health care issues, role of nursing.
• your language skills if relevant to the language of care.
  Note: If you are going to a Latin American country, you must be fluent in the language of care (i.e. Spanish).
• your knowledge of the nursing profession in the country or role of the nurse in the clinical setting.
• how will this placement differ from a placement in Southern Ontario?
• indicate which term you plan on completing your placement (summer or fall).
  
  Submit The Global Health Clinical Preparation Checklist (under the “forms” section).
  
  Note: N4K10 is not an option at this time.

B: A copy of your résumé (no more than two pages)

• include any previous international, cross-cultural or relevant experience.

Step 2: The Interview

The above documents will be assessed by the Global Health Education Committee (GHEC) and, if complete and successful, you will be contacted for an interview between December 4-6, 2012. The interviewers will be two faculty members who are members of the GHEC.  Normally one will be from your site. Interviews are scored. Should you fail the interview, you will NOT have the opportunity for a second attempt and not proceed to the next step. 
In preparation for the interview, please consider the following:

• your understanding of BScN curriculum,
• the SON philosophy of learning and 4J07 course aims as they relate to your planned practice placement.
  
• the challenges of being placed in your planned setting.
• your personal attributes for success, including interpersonal, problem-solving, group skills, etc.

Step 3: Academic Record

Your grade report will be reviewed by the Coordinator of Studies by January 15, 2013 to ensure that you meet the minimum academic requirements for success. If your academic record does not meet the requirements, you will be informed by the Chair of the Global Health Education Committee.

All applicants should normally fulfill the following pre-requisites:

• successful completion of HTH SCI 2RR3.
• successful completion of Level III (including elective courses).
• successful completion of N4H03: Introduction to Issues in Global Health (offered in the Winter Term).
• successful completion of all the BScN program requirements for the Level IV clinical courses.
• no “FAILS” in any clinical courses.
  
  
  for Basic stream students:
• a cumulative average of 8.0 in all Level II and Term 1 of Level III.
  
  
  for Post-RPN stream students:
• a cumulative average of 8.0 in Term 2 of Level II and Term 1 of Level III.
  
  
  for Basic Accelerated stream students:
• a cumulative average of 8.0
• proof of having completed more than 70% of the content of N4H03 (Introduction to Issues in Global Health)

Step 4: Letters of Reference

Using the standardized referee form, submit two Letters of Reference to Kelly Edge by 4:00 pm, Friday, January 18th, 2013.

for Basic stream students letters of reference from clinical tutors (one from Level II and one from Level III).

for Post-RPN stream students one from a clinical tutor and one from an employer.

Note. Based on the information received throughout this application process, the Global Health Education Committee (GHEC) reserves the right to decide if the student is appropriate or not for the professional practice placement. You must be successful in all steps of the process. If successful, you will be contacted before January 25, 2013 to proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Risk & Liability

The following will need to be submitted to Kelly Edge no later than 4:00 pm, March 15th, 2013:

• a liability agreement between yourself and McMaster University,
• a field trip application required by the Risk Management Office of McMaster University.

Step 6: Final Documentation

The following will need to be submitted to Kelly Edge <kedge@mcmaster.ca> well in advance of your departure:

1. a copy of your travel itinerary,
2. proof of private medical insurance,
3. a list of emergency contacts in Canada,
4. information where you can be contacted while in your placement (address, phone, e-mail).

Step 7: Register with DFAIT

We strongly suggest that all students register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Canada <see website>.

Step 8: Pre-departure Orientation Workshop

Attend a Pre-departure Orientation Workshop organized by the School of Nursing at the McMaster site (normally offered in April). At this workshop you will be required to complete other forms as needed by the School.

Step 9: Return Presentation

Present your Global Health experiences at the fall/winter re-entry session. This occurs in Early September and January once you return to Canada.

Note: Your professional Global Health Professional Practice Placement course should normally begin at the beginning of Summer or Fall term respectively. The Placement is normally 12 weeks in length. You must attend the 4J07-GH course orientation before you begin your placement.