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International clinical experiences: long-term impact on students
Shelley J Kollar1, Rita L Ailinger
1United States Navy, USA.
Nurse Educator
|February 13, 2002
Summary
International nursing education programs offer students global perspectives and cultural competency. Graduates of a Nicaragua program reported significant long-term impacts on their knowledge and personal growth.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Global Health
- Cultural Competency
Background:
- International learning experiences are increasingly recognized for their value in nursing education.
- These experiences allow nursing students to practice in diverse cultural settings, broadening their global perspective and enhancing cultural competency.
- The development of international nursing education programs is a growing trend worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the long-term impact of an international nursing education experience on students.
- To understand how participation in such programs influences graduates' knowledge, personal growth, and interpersonal connections.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study exploring graduates' self-reported experiences.
- Longitudinal assessment of the impact of an international nursing program in Nicaragua.
Main Results:
- Graduates reported enhanced nursing knowledge gained from practicing in a different cultural system.
- Significant personal growth was a common outcome, with students developing a broader global perspective.
- Interpersonal connections formed during the experience were reported to have a lasting influence.
Conclusions:
- International nursing education provides invaluable opportunities for professional and personal development.
- The long-term benefits include improved cultural competency and a strengthened global outlook for nursing professionals.
- Such programs are crucial for cultivating a culturally sensitive and globally aware nursing workforce.