Evaluation of an international program for nurse practitioner students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Global Health
• Advanced Practice

Background:

• Limited opportunities exist for nurse practitioner (NP) students to collaborate internationally.
• Understanding diverse instructional pedagogies is crucial for NP student development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To foster international understanding of healthcare services.
• To compare advanced practice program curricula through an international experience.
• To facilitate a global exchange for first-year NP students from the UK and US.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of student responses to pre- and post-experience questions.
• Virtual global exchange followed by an in-person visit.
• International experience for 23 advanced practice students and faculty.

Main Results:

• UK and US NP students positively evaluated the international encounter.
• Students identified specific educational activities that significantly aided their training.
• The exchange facilitated a comparison of healthcare systems and educational approaches.

Conclusions:

• International experiences are highly beneficial for NP students.
• Exposure to alternative cultural milieus enhances understanding of healthcare delivery.
• Global exchanges promote valuable professional relationships and knowledge sharing.