Culturally diverse students enrolled in nursing: barriers influencing success

Within the United States, the dominant culture is largely made up of Anglo Saxons whose values include the work ethic, thrift, success, independence, initiative, respect for others, privacy, cleanliness, youthfulness, attractive appearance, and a focus on the future (Spradley & Allender, 1996). For the last ten or more years, the number of international students enrolled in programs in health science within the U.S., including nursing, has increased more than 10% (Zikopoulos, 1990). Almost no data have been collected by schools of nursing on the difficulties they encounter while working with international students adjusting to and receiving an education in the U.S. (Colling & Liu, 1995). There are often many barriers that may influence culturally diverse and international students' success in nursing. These barriers may be environmental and located within the school of nursing or the college/university, or personal and student centered. The presence of appropriate support services on the college campus as well as within schools of nursing could enhance the success of culturally diverse students. Nursing and college/university faculty must become more aware of cultural difference in students and must use various strategies to retain these students.