Foreign-born nursing students in the United States: a literature review

A thorough search of the literature examined what have been reported as stressors for foreign-born nursing students living in the United States. A comprehensive review of foreign-born nursing student literature within the United States educational system was examined, reviewed, and summarized. Minimal research has been dedicated exclusively to identify those unique stressors experienced among the foreign-born student population. A review of 11 articles revealed four common results interdependent of one another experienced among this group of students. Results identified were (a) language and communication issues; (b) discrimination, prejudice, and lack of support; (c) cultural issues; and (d) loneliness, isolation, and alienation. Foreign-born nursing students may continue to experience a multitude of barriers while seeking educational advancements in the United States until serious endeavors are initiated to close the gap and address the concerns previously documented. Although the needs of this diverse population are important, this research has the potential to reveal crucial information regarding stressors specifically common to those studying abroad in the United States. This topic will provide guidance to deans, directors, and educators in identifying and establishing processes to help validate the foreign-born nursing students' experience while they are enrolled in their prospective schools of nursing within the United States.