What do we know about educating Asian ESL nursing students? A literature review

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Cultural Competence in Healthcare
• Second Language Acquisition in Higher Education

Background:

• Cultural differences and language barriers impede the success of Asian nursing students who speak English as a Second Language (ESL).
• These challenges can prevent ESL nursing students from achieving their full potential and career aspirations.
• A review of existing literature is necessary to understand and address these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize the published literature on ESL nursing students from 1980 to 2010.
• To examine key domains including conceptual frameworks, language and communication, support systems, and instructional strategies.
• To identify limitations in the existing body of research and suggest future directions.

Main Methods:

• An exhaustive search of electronic databases in health sciences was conducted.
• Literature published between 1980 and 2010 focusing on ESL nursing students was systematically reviewed.
• The review encompassed four distinct domains relevant to student experience and success.

Main Results:

• A growing body of literature on ESL nursing students has emerged, particularly in recent decades.
• The review identified specific challenges and effective strategies within the four domains studied.
• Limitations within the existing research were noted, indicating areas for further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based approaches are crucial for enhancing the educational experiences of ESL nursing students.
• Implications for future educational practices and research are presented to support this subgroup.
• Addressing cultural and linguistic needs is essential for the professional development of ESL nursing students.