Graduate Domestic & International Immersions

Domestic Immersion – Easter Seals Camp (DNP)

Easter Seals Camps, the longest running camp in the nation since 1938, offer adults and children with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy traditional camp activities (archery, climbing wall, canoeing, swimming) in accessible ways. This also provides their caregivers a much-needed respite break. This program will allow students to learn how to work with adults and children with disabilities and gain an appreciation for the importance of respite care for caregivers. Students will work in teams to provide daily care for campers and support nursing staff as needed. Students stay on the beautifully-wooded 400-acre camp while camp is in session, with lodging and meals provided, located in Wisconsin Dells just one hour north of Madison. 

This one-week summer domestic immersion experience is for those in the School of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty and Psychiatric Mental Health Certificate programs.

International Immersion – Belize Peaceworks (DNP)

Each May, the School of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program partners with the School of Medicine and Public Health’s Physician Assistant (PA) program. Faculty and local healthcare providers precept with DNP and PA students to provide primary care to citizens in rural, underserved villages around Independence, Belize. 

The clinical practice experience takes place Monday through Friday for one week. Students participate in a mid-week and weekend excursion, which extend the trip to approximately 10 days. On-campus preparation takes place before the immersion. DNP students earn required clinical practice hours. 

Information sessions for Spring 2025 are being held in October.

International Immersion – Belize Hillside (DNP)

Each Fall and Spring, School of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program students who have participated in the Peaceworks Immersion can partner with Hillside Health Care International to gain clinical experience. Local healthcare providers precept with DNP students to provide primary care to citizens in rural, underserved villages around the Toledo District in Southern Belize. 

The clinical practice hours are variable depending on time completed which is typically 2-4 weeks. The clinical experience takes place Monday through Friday with opportunities to take side trips in the unique Central American country of Belize or into neighboring Guatemala on weekends. On-campus preparation takes place before the immersion.