Eight alumni of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FKEP USU), have successfully advanced in the international Nurses4Vienna program, an initiative for the development and placement of professional nursing personnel in Vienna, Austria. The program represents one of FKEP USU’s strategic efforts to expand global opportunities for nursing graduates while enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian healthcare professionals at the international level.
The participants previously underwent a rigorous selection process. Of the 30 initial participants who took part in the program’s selection stages, 11 were selected. Following subsequent stages of the process, eight FKEP USU alumni fulfilled all requirements and were eligible to continue with the program through the departure stage.
The eight FKEP USU alumni selected for the Nurses4Vienna program are Rivandi Hanhara, S.Kep., Ns.; Emyranda Samosir, S.Kep., Ns.; Kristina Melita Manurung, S.Kep., Ns.; Dewi Meylinta Sembiring, S.Kep., Ns.; Pitauli Aprilia Siringoringo, S.Kep., Ns.; Clara Febiola Purba, S.Kep., Ns.; Mutiara Unvi Zahra, S.Kep., Ns.; and Lisa Khairani Rizal, S.Kep., Ns.
Dean of the Faculty of Nursing USU, Dr. Dudut Tanjung, S.Kp., M.Kep., Sp.KMB., stated that the participation of the alumni in the program represents a concrete manifestation of FKEP USU’s commitment to producing professional and competent nursing graduates who are able to adapt to the needs of the global healthcare sector.
“Our alumni participating in this program are not only representing themselves but also carrying the identity of the Faculty of Nursing USU and Indonesia. Therefore, it is important for them to maintain professionalism, improve their communication skills, and understand the work culture of their destination country,” he said.
The participants are currently undergoing German language training at FH Wien in Vienna as part of their preparation before beginning their professional duties at healthcare facilities in Austria. In addition to language proficiency, the participants are also receiving training on cultural adaptation, the healthcare system, and nursing competency standards applicable in Austria.
The Nurses4Vienna program forms part of FKEP USU’s internationalization efforts through the development of human resources in the healthcare sector. This initiative contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being by enhancing the quality of professional healthcare personnel, as well as SDG 4: Quality Education by providing graduates with opportunities to develop their competencies and gain international experience.
Through this program, FKEP USU hopes that its alumni will serve as outstanding and integrity-driven representatives of Indonesian nursing professionals and make meaningful contributions to global healthcare.