International Nursing Education: The Long-term Effects of an Overseas Placement
Date
2021-04-06
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Abstract
In an ever-increasing global society, it is important for nurses to have a high level of cultural sensitivity. Many nursing students have the opportunity to develop this skill by participating in an overseas practicum placement during their degree. This requires a structured and carefully designed placement focused on intercultural advancement, leadership opportunities, and the development of reflective skills. This current study involved alumni from a four-year nursing practicum, who participated in a practicum placement in Africa to determine how their time abroad experiences had influenced their personal and professional lives. This impact was reflected in four areas, which included cultural, social, personal, and professional aspects of life. The theoretical framework underpinning this research encompassed: social cognitive theory (with a focus on self-efficacy theory), adult learning theory, and experiential learning theory. These theories were relevant to this study as they provided a foundation to the understanding of learning, individually and within a group, how experiences can transform learning, and how experiences can influence self-efficacy beliefs. The quantitative data included a questionnaire that assessed the overall ratings of the overseas experience within the four areas of impact. The qualitative data included document analysis of program and coursework documentation, written responses within student journals, and in-depth semi-structured interviews. The six themes that emerged from these data were: (1) experience in Africa, (2) working with African counterparts, (3) development of leadership skills, (4) the importance of reflection, (5) proper training at home, and (6) support. The findings of this study will be of interest to those who are planning to develop impactful and constructive overseas nursing practicums or to enhance their programs, both of which centre on the growing need to have culturally competent and sensitive nurses.
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Keywords
Education, Nursing, Overseas, Effect
Citation
Lowton, D. (2021). International Nursing Education: The Long-term Effects of an Overseas Placement (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.