Towards culturally relevant nursing education for aboriginal students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Indigenous Health
• Cultural Competency in Healthcare

Background:

• Aboriginal nursing students in North America face significant challenges within existing educational frameworks.
• High attrition rates among Aboriginal nursing students indicate systemic issues in current nursing programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for culturally relevant curriculum and instructional strategies for Aboriginal nursing students.
• To propose a shift from assimilative to transformative approaches in Aboriginal nursing education.

Main Methods:

• This study is a theoretical argument and literature review.
• It analyzes the impact of current educational models on Aboriginal student retention.

Main Results:

• Current nursing programs are largely assimilative, contributing to student attrition.
• Culturally relevant approaches are essential for enhancing student success and program effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• Nurse educators must adapt curricula to be culturally safe and relevant for Aboriginal students.
• Transformative educational models are needed to support and retain Indigenous nursing students, improving healthcare for Indigenous communities.