Texas A&M International University

NURS 4440

International and Border Health Nursing

Four semester hours, theory only (SP)

This synthesis level course examines “Border Health” problems and challenges within the context of current political-social-cultural-economic international realities. Looking at health and health care as a basic human right, students will explore basic health-related concepts and trends within a global context. Students will then be challenged to analyze the realities and challenges of achieving Health for All in two specific bi-national contexts: the urban third world setting of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and its more affluent sister-city, Laredo, Texas that also includes “colonias,” typical of those found in any underdeveloped country. Immigration, socioeconomic conditions and environmental factors will be analyzed in relationship to border health. Special attention will be paid to the impact NAFTA and various “maquila” phenomena have had on border health, the profession of nursing and the future socioeconomic growth and/or development of the two Laredos. Prerequisite: NURS 3305, NURS 4665 or permission of instructor.