Kwon Min-a delivers a special lecture for current nursing students. [Provided by Yeungnam University College of Science & Technology]
Kwon Min-a delivers a special lecture for current nursing students. [Provided by Yeungnam University College of Science & Technology]

Yeungnam University College of Science & Technology invited a graduate now working as a nurse in the United States to help current students map out global career paths.

The university held a special lecture Thursday for nursing students, featuring alumna Kwon Min-a under the theme "Can I become a nurse in the US too?"

Kwon graduated from the university's nursing department in 2019, gained clinical experience at Seoul National University Hospital, and went on to work at Pleasant View Care Center in the US before joining Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, where Kwon currently works as a nurse.

Since June, Kwon has also been pursuing a master's degree in family nurse practitioner studies at Morningside University.

During the lecture, Kwon walked students through how major coursework, language preparation and a 2017 global field study program in Iowa laid the groundwork for an overseas career.

Kwon explained how to prepare for the NCLEX-RN nursing licensure examination and navigate the US job application process, including hospital hiring procedures. Kwon also advised students to carefully review work location, contract terms, salary and benefits before accepting a position.

Kwon said adapting to overseas medical settings requires not only professional knowledge and clinical experience but also strong language skills and cultural understanding to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.

Kwon also outlined the range of career development paths available after employment, including staff nurse, charge nurse, education and quality management roles, and advanced practice nursing programs.

Choi Eun-hee, dean of the university's college of nursing, said it was meaningful that a graduate who had participated in the global field study program had grown into a working nurse in the US and shared that experience with younger students. "We will work to cultivate nursing professionals with an international perspective and practical competence through major education, overseas experience and engagement with field experts," Choi said.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com