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文本框: BRIDGING THE NURSING PROFESSION ACROSS INTERNATIONAL WATERS CHEW S.H. CRAZE N, YAU W Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia Caring for neonates and paediatrics in Australia has been a commitment by key nursing staff for many years. The exchange of healthcare knowledge and skill is not new. What is new and challenging is nurses participating in the vision of sharing health care across international waters for improved quality of health care that is sustainable. This paper examined the international activities that have been undertaken by five senior nurses at the Royal Children'’ Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. This proved to be a two-way learning experience for the nurses including new life challenges and a better understanding of different cultures. Programs include Singapore-trained nurses have three-months specialised clinical placements at the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital nurses being seconded to developing countries such as Vietnam, Mongolia and Bangladesh for needs analysis and teaching purposes. There is extensive work yet to be done to bridge the care to children of the world. The three months specialist clinical placement for Singapore nurses at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne has led to an accredited course at Melbourne University for overseas students.