Transforming experiences: nursing education and international immersion programs

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Global Health
• Experiential Learning

Background:

• International immersion programs offer unique educational opportunities for nursing students.
• Exposure to diverse cultures and healthcare settings can shape professional identity.
• Previous research highlights the impact of study abroad on personal development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the long-term personal and professional impacts of international immersion programs on U.S. baccalaureate nurses.
• To understand the transformative experiences of nursing students during hands-on care in host communities.
• To identify key developmental changes resulting from study abroad in nursing education.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study capturing viewpoints of U.S. baccalaureate nurses.
• Analysis of experiences from international immersion programs during nursing school.
• Longitudinal reflection on personal and professional changes years after the program.

Main Results:

• Participants reported profound personal and professional life changes.
• Key developments included "blind trust," valuing others across cultures, and transformational life choices.
• Lasting impacts (5-15 years later) encompass increased compassion, acceptance of differences, and risk-taking for change.

Conclusions:

• International immersion is critically important for nursing students' development.
• Experiential learning in diverse cultures fosters essential nursing competencies and values.
• Study abroad experiences lead to significant, enduring personal and professional growth in nurses.