Students from the University’s College of Nursing participated in a learning session on “Evolving Global Competencies for Nurses in a Rapidly Changing Healthcare System” held on April 13 at the Santuario de La Salle.The activity brought together BS Nursing students as part of the College’s efforts to broaden their global perspective and strengthen their readiness for professional practice.
The session was organized in partnership with UNILAB Education Inc. and highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between academic institutions and industry in preparing nurses for both local and global practice.
Ms. Lilibeth Aristorenas, the Lead for International Partnerships, emphasized the role of such linkages in developing future-ready healthcare professionals.
The session featured Dr. Veronique M. Boscart, Chief Scientific Officer of William Osler Health System and a recognized gerontological nurse researcher, as keynote speaker.
In her talk, Dr. Boscart discussed the need for nursing education to move beyond exam-based learning and focus on real-world readiness. She explained that healthcare today is becoming more complex due to an aging population, rising chronic conditions, and rapid advancements in digital health and artificial intelligence.
She emphasized that nurses must be adaptable, digitally competent, and capable of delivering care across various settings, including hospitals, communities, homes, and virtual platforms. She also noted the increasing role of families and the need for stronger coordination within healthcare systems.
Dr. Boscart pointed out that while there is a global shortage of nurses, a more pressing concern is whether graduates are adequately prepared for practice. She called for a shift toward competency-based education, continuous learning, and more responsive training approaches aligned with current healthcare realities.
She further identified key competencies for future nurses, including clinical judgment, communication, teamwork, cultural awareness, ethical decision-making, adaptability, and the effective use of digital and evidence-based tools.
Through this engagement, USLS continues to develop competent and globally responsive nursing professionals through meaningful partnerships and expert-led learning experiences.