Thirty-four groups from medical schools and hospitals in China and abroad gathered in Shanghai to compete over the weekend at the Shanghai International Nursing Skills Competition.

Organized annually by Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the event was the eighth of its kind and focused on maternal nursing this year.

During the contest, pairs of competitors had to take care of a patient and her husband, played by actors, communicating with them in English.

“It’s important to communicate with not only expecting mothers, but also their husbands, and get both of them involved in decisions for treatment. This has been increasingly emphasized in China as in other countries,” said Jiang Ying, vice dean of the university’s school of nursing.

“Unlike some classes where students use rubber models, this time they had to communicate with real human beings, who gave feedback immediately,” she added. “Chinese nurses and students have good skills, but some are not good at soft skills such as communication which can put patients and their relatives at ease. When we are trying to ease patients’ physical pains, it’s also important to see that sometimes our words can decrease the suffering of patients and their relatives, which is also helpful in treatment.”

Zhu Aiyong, dean of the university's school of nursing, said the competition tested not only nursing skills, but also contestants’ capabilities in communicating with people, evaluating their condition and taking primary measures before doctors arrive.

Students from the university participated in the nursing contest in the WorldSkills Competition for the first time in August.

“The WorldSkills Competition focuses on much more detail, including communication skills,” said Zhu.

Jiang said the university is developing its own team of actors and actresses for nursing scenarios, to help students practice in classes to better prepare for future work.

Yang Meiping / SHINE