Vanessa Teed, MSN, RN, CEN, CGNC
Global Nurse Educator | PhD in Nursing Student | ICN-Certified Global Nurse Consultant
Since 2023, my work and doctoral studies have been guided by a consistent view of global nursing education. For me, it is not about exporting curricula or solutions. Global nursing education is the education of every nurse, in every country. I believe in the value of nursing education. A strong global nursing workforce, and the future of nursing worldwide, depend on country-led, locally defined capacity building led by nurse educators.
This reflection and definition of global nursing education are informed by global nursing workforce literature and professional guidance that emphasize country-led initiatives, partnerships, and nursing education (World Health Organization, 2020, 2025; International Council of Nurses, 2023a, 2023b).
This perspective has shaped both my PhD study and inspired my ongoing commitment to engagement with nurse educators and clinical teams in Vietnam through Health Volunteers Overseas. My work is also informed by separate collaborations with Nurses International, who share my passion and commitment to strengthening nursing education through accessible resources and global collaboration.
Below is a brief reflection on this year’s work in Vietnam.
This year, I returned to Vietnam to continue my work in global nursing education. As a new HVO nursing education project director in Hai Duong, Vietnam, I served as an educator while also reinforcing the value of relationship-based, locally led partnerships. I worked in three northern provinces in Vietnam. Traveling and working alongside nurse educators, clinical nurses, and nurse leaders in university and hospital settings. While I travel independently and go on assignment alone, I am a volunteer with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO).
My work in 2024 and 2025 was guided by host-identified priorities grounded in local needs. I arrived prepared through my nursing experience and specialty expertise, while remaining flexible and responsive to those priorities. I approached the work by listening first. I learned from the expertise and leadership of Vietnamese nurse educators and clinicians. Local faculty and clinicians defined focus areas—including clinical teaching, student assessment, research mentorship, and workforce realities—and guided our shared efforts. I worked alongside colleagues, contributing when invited and remaining grounded in local context and goals.
I am comfortable working in complex and multilingual environments and value learning directly from Vietnamese nurses and patients. I recognize that care, trust, and understanding are often communicated non-verbally as much as through language. I especially value time spent in clinical areas such as emergency, trauma ICU, and internal medicine units, with cardiac and neurologic care planning among my favorite topics!
This visit reaffirmed what I observed in 2024: Vietnamese nursing education and leadership are strong, with a clear and forward-looking vision. Educators demonstrated deep clinical expertise and professional commitment. The challenges discussed were systemic rather than individual, highlighting the importance of partnerships grounded in reciprocity, shared learning, and host leadership.
As both a nurse educator and a PhD student focused on global nursing education from the host-country perspective, I am intentional in how I engage in international work. Short-term nursing education efforts are most meaningful when embedded within long-term relationships, aligned with local priorities, and grounded in mutual respect. Sustainability grows through trust, continuity, and shared ownership.
Vietnam holds deep professional and personal significance for me, and the success of my colleagues and partners there is deeply important. Whether volunteering for short-term periods of 30–90 days or serving in a year-round project director role, I remain committed to supporting locally defined goals and long-term success.
I donate my time to non-profit organizations such as Health Volunteers Overseas and Nurses International, whose missions align closely with my humanitarian values and professional goals. I encourage nurses to explore ways to engage—whether in person or virtually—through teaching, mentorship, or curriculum development, based on their unique skills and expertise.