Eager Students and Faculty Challenges

 April 8, 2026

Yesterday, I began my first day at the Faculty of Nursing Chiang Mai University. The university van picked me up promptly at 8:30AM where the day began with a meet and greet with Dean Suparat Wangrikhun and her administrative team. During that meeting, I was introduced to their nursing program as well as how nursing education in Thailand is structured and regulated. 

The academic journeys of these women is so very impressive. The dean and 3 of her executive team earned their PhDs at the University of Illinois, 1 at the University of East Anglia (the UK),  and the remainder at prominent universities across Thailand.  Their program is a WHO Centre for Nursing and Midwifery and is part of the Joanna Briggs Institute in Thailand. 

A link to a post on their university web site.  

https://www.nurse.cmu.ac.th/web/en/Readmore.aspx?type=4&id=23447 

In the afternoon, I presented a 2- hour program introducing NCLEX and how as an international nurse, one applies to take the NCLEX.  There were students, alumni and faculty present and they totally bought the energy and enthusiasm that I bring to presentations.  They asked terrific questions and in typical fashion, I came away learning a couple of new things myself.  

Today, I had just a morning session with a number of faculty and the Associate Dean of Academi Affairs. The focus of the program was for presentation on their curriculum design, their pending activities for curriculum revision, and the challenges they are experiencing. Interesting to note, as long as the students have a specific GPA at the end of the academic year, they can move forward to the next year.  There is no limit as to the number of times a course can be taken.  In Thailand, they have no progression exams- such as we have with the HESI exams, and graduates must take a series of exit exam for their Thai nursing license.  The current pass rate for graduates from CMU is 70%. It was higher before COVID but anyone in nursing education knows that COVID hit pass rates pretty hard. 

While not stressful, I had to be on my toes today.  My ears and brain are struggling a bit to understand the cadence and accents of English speaking Thai. I had to concentrate on the questions, so I did not have the ability to write them down; however, one question did stand out and that was regarding things we now have to teach in nursing that we have not previously considered.  When I said the words "soft skills", heads were bobbing in agreement around the conference room. It was fascinating to have two young faculty members speak about the career and life expectations of GenZ, compared to those of faculty and many nurses and the conflicts that arise. Talk about shared experiences! 

There were a couple of questions that simply stumped me, but they did not seem overly disappointed.  One older faculty member dove deep with her questions and I appreciated the opportunity of sharing our college's strategic plan and our forthcoming journey in revising our curriculum. 

Must say, 2 hours of Q & A after the Associate Dean's presentation pretty well took the starch out of me.  Plus, I'm still waking up early even for me (2AM ish)! So, back to the apartment to enjoy leftovers for lunch and a much needed nap. 

When taking group pictures, of course I had to introduce "the chomp"!! 

My next presentation is not until a week plus from now due to the Thai New Year, but there is plenty to do to prepare for the flurry of upcoming activities in group faculty meetings and NCLEX prep activiites. 

Stepping Off the Sidewalk... Into New Adventures,

 Karen 

Disclaimer: The content of my writing strictly represents my personal views and not those of the University of Florida, the U.S. government, the Department of State, or partner organizations.