Students' Observations of the Nursing Role in Seven Nations

This exploratory, qualitative study was conducted to compare nursing tasks/roles in Ecuador, Finland, Ghana, Navajo Nation, Russia, Taiwan, and Tonga.

The definition of nurse varies internationally, with little description of the specific tasks nurses perform. To better know the profession, nurses must understand what their counterparts do in different parts of the world.

Students and faculty traveled to seven nations to conduct an observational study. Students observed nurses (n = 71) over a period of three weeks using a checklist of basic tasks/skills, advanced skills, critical thinking, communication, public health, and professionalism.

Similarities in nursing tasks/roles were found, with a few stark differences between countries. Autonomy of practice and communication styles varied; all nurses were found to be effective patient advocates.

Sufficient nursing personnel, resources, patient load, and technology affect nursing tasks/roles.