Expanding Research in Spiritual Care and Cultural Insights in the USA – Viaa colleague on PhD Exchange at APU

Our Viaa colleague, Joanne Lassche, is on an international exchange at the School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University (APU), California as part of her PhD studies at VID University (Norway). Her PhD research focuses on how nursing students develop competencies in spiritual care. She is in the US until the end of March and reflects on her experiences, both personally and professionally.

Week 4: Settling into Research & Campus Life

After four weeks in California, I feel increasingly at home at Azusa Pacific University (APU). My research is progressing, and I have fully immersed myself in analyzing interviews with nursing students using the EPICC Spiritual Care Competency Self-Assessment Tool. Coding the data is meticulous work, but I’m excited as emerging patterns start to take shape.

“Seeing my research spark discussions among faculty members is a truly rewarding experience.”

One of the highlights this week was presenting my PhD research at the School of Nursing faculty meeting. The interest was overwhelming—faculty members were keen to discuss how the EPICC Tool could enhance their curriculum. It’s encouraging to see how spiritual care education resonates in different academic settings.

Outside research, I’m adjusting to life in California, including the challenges of air pollution and security concerns that limit my ability to walk alone at night. To navigate these realities, I attended a self-defense course at APU—an empowering experience that also gave me deeper insight into campus life.

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Week 5: Research & Exploration in San Diego

This week, I traveled to APU’s San Diego campus for a research exchange. The contrast with the main campus was striking—smaller in -person classes, a strong focus on online education, and heightened security measures due to local safety concerns.

“Observing how spiritual care is taught in online education opened my eyes to new possibilities.”

One of the most fascinating experiences was visiting the high-tech simulation lab, where nursing students train with life-like mannequins that breathe, talk, and react to treatments. This hands-on approach aligns perfectly with the EPICC Tool’s aim of fostering self-awareness in spiritual care education.

Beyond research, I explored the city, taking in the coastal scenery and vibrant cultural diversity of San Diego. Faculty members and doctoral students shared their insights on integrating spirituality into public health and maternal-child care, sparking new ideas for future collaboration.

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Week 6: Strengthening Connections & Future Collaborations

Back in Azusa, I am refining my research focus as the qualitative analysis moves forward. A meeting with my PhD supervisors confirmed I’m on track, and the connections I made in San Diego are already leading to potential research collaborations.

“From casual conversations to in-depth academic discussions, relationships here are becoming more meaningful.”

Socially, I feel more connected than ever. My housemates invite me to the gym, and our post-dinner conversations last longer. Even my colleagues in San Diego mentioned they missed me! These relationships add depth to my experience, making this exchange feel like more than just a research project—it’s a journey of personal and professional growth.

Looking Ahead

I am entering the final stretch of my exchange. The past weeks have been filled with research advancements, cultural discoveries, and meaningful connections. From faculty discussions to self-defense training, from biking through LA to hiking in Arizona—this journey continues to shape me in unexpected and rewarding ways.

Thank you for following along—more updates to come soon!