Page 41 - QARANC Vol 14 No 13 2016

THE GAZETTE QARANC 39
ATINER Conference 2–5 May 2016
The Athens Institute for Education and Research (ATINER) was estab- lished in 1995 as an independent in- ternational association of academics and researchers. The primary mission of ATINER is to create a platform for academics and researchers from all over the world to meet in the ancient city of Athens to exchange research and developmental ideas in their dis- ciplines.
Since its establishment, this insti- tution has been routinely organising and hosting International Conferences, Symposiums, Research and Publica- tions of books and journals as its basic activities. All papers presented during their conferences are considered for publication in one of ATINER’s journals or books.
Though ATINER has organised over 400 International Conferences and has published about 200 books, this year marked the 2nd Annual Conference on Nursing for which Birmingham City University (BCU) was invited.
It was a perfect moment to interact with other academics, share experi- ences and appreciate the different initi- atives taken by staff in other countries and universities to enhance patient and student experience.
In total, 55 papers relating to nursing from 18 countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Finland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Turkey, UK and USA were presented to be considered for publication in one of the journals of ATINER. This year’s confer- ence was held at the Titania Hotel in Down Town Athens. The Conference began at 0745 GMT with an open- ing speech from Dr. George Poulos, Vice-President of Research, ATINER & Emeritus Professor to University of South Africa, who welcomed all the participants from the 18 countries. He also presented the programmed out-
line for the Conference.
The presentations then commenced
with topics incorporating different spheres of nursing including nursing education, nursing practice, profes- sional bodies of nursing as well as speciality areas such as midwifery, ac- upuncture and cosmetics surgery. The audience were allowed to ask ques- tions, share experiences or make con- tributions after presentations.
Participants from Birmingham City University were Dr Hora Davari Ejte- hadi, (Associate Professor) and myself (a military student nurse and a stu- dent academic mentor). We present- ed on ‘Enhancing Student Engage- ment: A Student led Physiology Drop in Centre’ (PDIC). We discussed that the PDIC is a student led interactive learning resource for undergraduate students aimed at consolidating stu- dents’ knowledge of applied physiol- ogy. The PDIC is facilitated and coor- dinated by students in the advanced stages of their programmes by acting as mentors to other students. This in- novative initiative has provided a valu- able opportunity for students and staff partnerships in an attempt to improve the way students learn to reduce their attrition rate. The programme is aimed at providing extra academic support to empower students to adapt new suitable learning methods and to en- hance the employability skills of both the mentors and students.
The PDIC has been well received by undergraduate students and the feed- back has been very positive. The cen- tre had increased student confidence in physiological knowledge and its ap- plication in practice. Student Mentors have been praised for their positive at- titude and friendly approachable man- ner. This innovative approach helps to reshape the teaching workforce whilst enhancing the quality of the student learning experience.
This presentation caught the interest
of most of the participants with lectur- ers from other countries admitting that the mentorship programme was worth emulating in their various universities.
During the Conference, the disparity between nursing developments within the various countries became more apparent as the presentations went on. Whilst countries such as UK, Can- ada, Australia appear to have a more organised professional body govern- ing nursing, other countries like Turkey seem to be struggling with leadership in that regard.
Other activities during the trip includ- ed an urban walk to the historical plac- es in Athens and a Greek dinner. At the dinner the audience were treated to a spectacular traditional Greek dance. A cruise on the Kassandra Delfinous to three Greek islands was the final event of the Conference.
This Conference was one of the best experiences in my time at BCU as a student. The opportunity to meet and interact with a group of learned per- sonalities has made me more confident and motivated to pursue my academic goals. The Conference exposed me to a number of alternate career de- velopment pathways. I also identified new areas in nursing that need more research to improve the body of knowl- edge of the profession. I would like to thank Dr Hora for putting this together and applying for the sponsorship and to my chain of command for granting me the permission to attend.
As a military student I believe being confident and having a broad knowl- edge about the world is key to a suc- cessful career and this Conference has done just that. I felt honoured to be the only student presenting to a group of university professors from 18 different countries and I hope that the Universi- ty will sponsor more students through similar programmes to enhance their personal and career development.
LCpl Menri DHE