Exemplifying TCU’s teacher-scholar model, a Harris College faculty member and student recently attended the XI Brazilian Pediatric and Neonatal Nursing Conference held in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Eny Dorea, associate professor of nursing, delivered a lecture and was accompanied by nursing major Rebecca Leeson, who presented her research.
The conference addressed current challenges, innovations and advances in pediatric and neonatal nursing practice.
Inspired by the theme “Plural Childhoods and Human Rights,” the conference reaffirmed pediatric and neonatal nursing’s recognition that caring for children and adolescents is built at the intersection of science, ethics and human rights.
“It serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing to develop research and foster national and international collaborations to advance nursing practice around the world,” Dorea said. “It was deeply inspiring.”
Leeson, a Brazilian international student, presented the study, “Nursing Practices Related to Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Scoping Review,” which explored evidence-based nursing practices in neonatal catheter management. Her presentation was received with enthusiasm by participants, highlighting the growing role of students in academic and clinical research.
“Attending the Brazilian Conference of Pediatric and Neonatal Nursing was a truly delightful experience. There was so much to learn and so much to see,” Leeson said. “It was wonderful to hear the perspectives of nurses in Brazil, which made the content of the conference even more valuable. Our systems share many similarities, and both countries have much to learn from and teach each other.”
Dorea participated in a roundtable on innovations to support pediatric nursing care and delivered the lecture, “Application of Design Thinking in Pediatric Nursing.” Her presentation emphasized how creative and human-centered approaches can foster innovative solutions to complex clinical challenges, improve patient and family experiences and enhance nursing practice in pediatric settings.
Dorea was thrilled with the opportunity to return to her home country and bring her student along for such a meaningful professional experience at this prestigious conference.
“It was very special to reconnect with colleagues in Brazil,” Dorea said. “For Rebecca, I’m confident this experience will help her grow into an even better nurse.”
Beyond the academic exchange, Dorea said the experience embodied the values of community impact and global learning, demonstrating how cross-cultural academic experiences can strengthen students’ understanding of nursing as both a science and a humanistic practice that transcends borders.