CQU nursing lecturer Jenny Anastasi, visiting scholar Dr Alejandro D. Delos Santos III and Head of the School of Nursing, Dr Lorna Moxham. Central Queensland University Rockhampton this week cemented a relationship with the Philippines through visiting scholar, Dr Alejandro (Alex) D. Delos Santos III.

As Dean of the College of Nursing at Mt Carmel College, in Balacan, Alex brought a wealth of experience to the table during curriculum discussions with CQU’s Head of Nursing, Dr Lorna Moxham and nursing lecturer Jenny Anastasi.

 Alex said his nursing college is renowned for producing excellent nurses who are in high demand in America and the Middle East, however he believed he could take away a lot of excellent ideas from CQU’s programs that would help expand the opportunities for his students.

Ms Anastasi said: “Nurses and midwives are learning from and with each other around the globe. The development of close links between nursing schools sets the groundwork for effective transcultural understanding in care for clients in all countries.

“This visit is part of CQU's responsibility to provide academic and professional support for our close neighbours in Asia and the Pacific”.

Alex is now keen to look further into the option of Philippines nursing students undertaking studies at CQU to enable them to work as registered nurses in Queensland.

“Amazed and amused” by Australia’s welcoming culture, Alex said his visit to Australia and particularly Rockhampton had been overwhelmingly successful.

“I feel joy to come here and will be encouraging my staff and students to take the opportunity to visit CQU’s campus on my return home.

“CQU is a joyful and young university with excellent nursing staff”.