Development and evaluation of an international service learning program for nursing students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Global Health
• Service Learning

Background:

• International service learning programs offer unique educational opportunities for nursing students.
• Developing culturally competent nurses is crucial for effective global health practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of an international service learning program in the Dominican Republic for Baccalaureate nursing students.
• To examine the initial impact of this program on student experiences.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive design was employed.
• The program included didactic sessions, a two-week immersion in the Dominican Republic, and post-trip debriefing.
• Thematic analysis of ten senior nursing students' daily journals was conducted.

Main Results:

• Five themes emerged: physical adaptation, frustration with meeting patient needs, increased Spanish proficiency, enhanced health assessment skills, and greater cultural awareness.
• Students provided descriptive accounts of daily activities.
• The level of critical reflection was limited.

Conclusions:

• Further exploration of reflection models is needed to foster critical reflection in students.
• Integrating global learning, social consciousness, and cultural competence into the curriculum is recommended.