    Nursing Professor Visits from IndiaThe Mark and Huldah Buntain School of Nursing at Northwest University, recently hosted a visit from Sister Jhansi Ruth Maharana, R.N., R.M., M.Sc.N., principal of the School of Nursing in Calcutta, India, that was founded by the Buntains. Sister Jhansi provided guest lectures in School of Nursing classrooms on topics ranging from treatment of tropical diseases to expression of Christian values in nursing. While in the United States, Sister Jhansi took advantage of opportunities to observe nursing courses and tour health care facilities. She also met with nursing educators and local nurse leaders in order to understand the United States health care and nursing education systems. This knowledge will help her as she leads the School of Nursing in Calcutta through its transition from a three year program to a four year baccalaureate-level program. Mark and Huldah Buntain School of Nursing alumni enjoyed spending time with Sister Jhansi during her visit, as many of the nursing students who complete their overseas nursing practicum in India have developed close friendships with her. When Northwest University students travel to India, Sister Jhansi coordinates most aspects of their stay, including their hospital visits and even their food and housing.
She takes the students on sightseeing trips, and, according to Dr. Carl Christensen, Dean of the School of Nursing, even comforts them when they are homesick. “She has a really fun, pleasant personality, and is a good listener,” he says. “Sister Jhansi is one of the most immediately likeable persons that I have ever met.” Sister Jhansi arrived in the U.S. in time to spend a few days with Associate Professor Betty Rairden before Betty died on August 6 after a battle with cancer. Betty and Sister Jhansi became close friends during Betty’s visits to India. Betty served in India with Northwest University nursing students three times, twice as the group leader. |
