Opportunities in preparing global leaders in nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• International Health
• Higher Education

Background:

• Increasing number of international nurses pursuing doctoral studies in the U.S.
• Impact on educational institutions and both international and domestic students.
• Need to understand challenges and opportunities in international doctoral nursing education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the challenges and experiences of international doctoral nursing students in the U.S.
• To identify issues faced by U.S. nursing programs with international students.
• To explore strategies for supporting international students' development as global leaders.

Main Methods:

• Survey of U.S. schools of nursing.
• Focus group with currently enrolled international doctoral students.
• Analysis of challenges related to language, communication, financing, and support systems.

Main Results:

• Both international students and nursing programs encounter difficulties with language, communication, finances, and support.
• International students reported unfamiliarity with the U.S. healthcare system, seminar formats, limited research participation, and time pressures.
• Positive global perspectives were noted as a benefit of international collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Nursing schools must develop effective strategies to support international doctoral students.
• Addressing specific challenges like cultural adaptation and academic integration is essential.
• Meleis's framework for culturally competent scholarship can guide institutions in supporting these students.