WSU Spokane

Livingstone Chronicles

Our time at Kafakumba Clinic pushed us beyond the classroom and headfirst in to the realities of global health where each day brought us new challenges, lessons, and moments of self reflection. As we unwind in Livingstone, Zambia, it’s safe to say we’re taking the time to not only decompress but process an experience that has been both demanding and incredibly meaningful.

Kafakumba Clinic and More: A Weekly Recap

As their time at Kafakumba Training Center comes to an end, WSU nursing students are reflecting on the clinical experiences, community outreach, and cultural connections that have defined their time in Zambia. From helping at a rural village clinic to building friendships with local students, the experience has left a lasting impact.

Kafakumba Clinic, located on the Kafakumba Training Center grounds in Zambia. Photo: Kendra Lentz.

Fisenge Village Clinical Day

A day at Fisenge Village Clinic gave WSU nursing students a firsthand look at maternal and community health in Zambia. From witnessing their first childbirth to providing health education at a local school, students experienced the impact of nursing across both clinical and community settings.

A Trip to Roan Antelope General Hospital and the Baluba Village

WSU nursing students continued their Zambia study abroad experience with a day of clinical learning at Roan Antelope General Hospital and a visit to Baluba Village. From pediatric nursing rounds to learning Bemba phrases and exploring local markets, the day offered new perspectives on health care, culture, and community.

Roan Antelope Hospital Nursing Students with WSU Nursing Student Abigail. Photo: Abigail Elliott.

First Clinical Day in Zambia

WSU College of Nursing students spent their first official clinical day in Zambia at Roan Antelope General Hospital in Luanshya, where they toured emergency, pediatric, NICU, maternity, and medical-surgical wards. The experience offered a powerful look at nursing, childbirth, resource limitations, and cultural practices in a Zambian hospital setting.

For many students, the day reshaped how they think about health care access, sanitation, patient privacy, transportation barriers, and the resources often taken for granted in American hospitals. After returning to Kafakumba, the group shared a traditional Zambian meal of nshima, cabbage, chicken, salt, and soup, adding another meaningful cultural experience to the day.

WSU College of Nursing students at Roan Hospital in Luanshya, Zambia. Photo: Ryley Delima.

Nsobe Game Camp and Lake Kashiba

Nsobe Game Camp is a place we went to see different animals in captivity there, do activities such as a safari ride, watch the workers feed the animals, and much more. Lake Kashiba is a sinkhole where people can jump into from the rocky cliffs or small ledges into the warm water.

WSU College of Nursing students with a group of Zambian children on a school field trip. Photo: Greer Bainbridge.

Greetings from Zambia

WSU College of Nursing students have arrived in Zambia and are beginning their international learning experience with cultural orientation, community engagement, and preparation for clinical rotations. After smooth travels and a full day of orientation, students are exploring the local community, learning about Zambian culture, and preparing for activities that include village visits, school health education, and clinical placements beginning June 8. Student-written reflections from the trip will begin appearing June 7.

Nursing students pose for a photo on their first day in Zambia.

WSU Nursing Students Prepare for Study Abroad Experience in Zambia

A group of WSU College of Nursing students is preparing for a study abroad experience in Zambia, where they will explore global health care, cultural perspectives, and nursing practice in a new setting. Follow along as students share daily reflections, photos, and stories from the trip.

Inland NW Nurse Educator Conference Focuses on Nursing Education, Practice, and Workforce Challenges

The Inland NW Nurse Educator Conference brought regional nursing leaders together at Gonzaga University for conversations about education, workforce challenges, technology, and clinical practice. WSU College of Nursing faculty, alumni, and collaborators helped lead sessions on AI in nursing education, healthy work environments, and workplace violence prevention.

Donna Wright, keynote speaker at Inland Northwest Nurse Educator Conference

Faculty Research Tackles Health Disparities, Opioid Risk, and Planetary Health

WSU College of Nursing faculty are advancing research in health equity, pain management, and planetary health. Recent publications highlight work that connects policy, practice, and community impact.

Recent faculty publications by faculty: Dr. Connie Kim Yen Nguyen-Truong, PhD, BSN, RN, ANEF, FAAN; Dr. Melissa Vera, PhD, RN; Dr. Claire Richards, PhD, RN; Dr. Marian Wilson, PhD, MPH, RN, PMGT-BC.

Nursing in the Family: Sisters, Students, and Mothers on the DNP Path

Two sisters, one path. Kyra Nichols, BSN ’24, RN and Kylie Flemens, BSN ’24, RN are pursuing their Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees together while raising families and supporting each other through every step. From late-night study sessions to holding their children at the White Coat Ceremony, their journey reflects the flexibility, support, and real-world impact of WSU’s DNP program. Read how they’re building their future in health care—together.

Kylie Flemens, BSN ‘24, RN and Kyra Nichols, BSN ‘24, RN with their children in their arms.

A Family Legacy in Nursing Comes Full Circle in Yakima

A nursing legacy comes full circle in Yakima as Audra Podruzny prepares to graduate from the DNP program—following in the footsteps of her mother, one of the first nurse practitioner graduates from the same campus. Their shared journey reflects the impact of family, community, and a program that has shaped health care across Central Washington.

Audra Podruzny, BSN ’12, DNP ’26, RN

From Bedside to Systemwide Impact: How One Master’s Grad Expanded Her Reach in Obstetric Care

After nearly 20 years in labor and delivery, Zibby Merritt loved bedside nursing—but wanted to shape care on a broader scale. Earning her Master of Nursing from Washington State University College of Nursing gave her the tools to think bigger, lead systemwide change, and pass her love of obstetric nursing on to the next generation.

Zibby Merritt, MN ’19, BSN, with her son, at the top of a peak during a summer hike.