English-As-A-Second-Language (ESL) Nursing Students' Academic Integration: A Review of Literature

The purpose of this literature review is to provide nurse educators with the evidence necessary to support future research and expansion of programs for English-as-a-second-language (ESL) nursing students.

Nursing education has expanded significantly in response to the Institute of Medicine's 2010 call for an increase in the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses. The demographics of nursing students have also grown to include those who are ethnically and linguistically diverse. This literature review presents a robust compilation of evidence providing insight into the integration experience of nursing students from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.

Peer-reviewed articles, along with other seminal sources, were identified.

The evidence highlights student challenges with academic language, cultural stressors, and faculty support.

Findings indicate that ESL nursing students experience challenges with academic integration. Future research can provide insight into how these students navigate specific learning environments.