Black African nurses educated in the United States

Black Africans are one of the fastest growing immigrant and refugee populations in the United States, having increased by 100% in the 2000s. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of how Black African nurses experience nursing education within the United States. This qualitative study provided a rich description of the phenomenon. Nine Black African nurses from the midwestern United States participated. Five male and four female participants represented the countries of Sierra-Leone, Kenya, Liberia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. Seven participants had been in the country less than 2 years, and two had been in the country less than 4 years. Optimistic determination was the essence of how participants adapted to challenges while in their nursing programs, and four themes emerged relating to academics, competing demands, culture, and relationships. Through an awareness of the unique needs of this student population, educators can develop strategies to improve retention.