The practice of studying abroad for professional development is not new and has been undertaken by scholars since the medieval times, however it is a relatively new endeavor in nursing education (Edmonds, 2010). Research has shown that cultural knowledge in nursing is extremely important and the lack of it may cause deficits in practices. The purpose of this study is a twofold. Researchers will complete a systematic literature review, and will send out a 15-question questionnaire to all nursing students who have registered for the travel aboard experience which is taking place March 14-24, 2019. This tool is seeking out some demographics and current travel experiences based on their perception. Once the students return from their cultural experience the same 15 question questionnaire will be sent out via survey monkey to them. The researchers will also hold a short focus group, 3 weeks after the return, and will invite all that traveled to share their reflection with each other in the group. The goal of this experiences is professional growth and to be more culturally aware in various populations.
Introduction of topic of research
Today’s generation of students has challenged nursing faculty to develop creative strategies and innovative methods to encourage students to experience various cultural programs including study abroad. High school and college students in the United States have studied in various countries and cities for decades, however nursing students are often left out of these experiences due to the curriculum design and mandatory clinical hours.
Significance of proposed research
The practice of studying abroad for professional development is not new and been undertaken by scholars since medieval times; however it is relatively new endeavor in nursing education (Edmonds, 2010). Research has shown that cultural knowledge in nursing is extremely important as nurses need to be culturally sensitive and competent to provide safe patient care in various settings and globally.
Summary of supporting literature
Nursing education plays a large role in preparing students for their competent cultural care; however, what is lacking is actual cultural experiences in various places. Allowing students to participate or to embrace another cultural allows the student to reflect in practice. One of the primary aims of the study abroad programs is to enable student nurses to develop cultural sensitivity so that they may practice appropriately for an increasingly multicultural patient population in their own countries (Karina Martins de Oleria & Tuohy, 2015)
Statement of problem with a brief synopsis of supporting literature
Globalization was first used by economists in 1981 and it refers to the development of increasingly integrated global economy, especially in trade, which is rapidly changing in today’s new venue. Culture is learned by each generation through both formal and informal life experiences (Leininger, 1991).
Participants
The size of the study will be based on those nursing students who register for the spring break, study abroad program that is being offered March 2019.
Consent Process
Every student will receive a content letter with the questionnaire(s) and then again prior to the focus group. Questionnaires responses will be utilized for this review and no identifying information will be collected.
Methodology
The purpose of this study is a twofold. Researchers will complete a systematic literature review, and will send out a 15-question questionnaire to all nursing students who have registered for the travel aboard experience which is taking place March 14-24, 2019. This tool is seeking out some demographics and current travel experiences based on their perception. Once the students return from their cultural experience the same 15 question questionnaire will be sent out via survey monkey to them. The researchers will also hold a short focus group, 3 weeks after the return, and will invite all that traveled to share their reflection with each other in the group. The goal of this experiences is professional growth and to be more culturally aware in various populations.
Dissemination
The dissemination of the research will be completed in various ways, as it is essential to share and have a discussion on the experience. This study is a confidential study. This study after completion will be used for various conferences and a short manuscript to be submitted to a peer reviewed journal for publication. A lunch and learn will be provided to the faculty on findings at the end of the semester.
Confidentiality
A formal letter will be obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), D’Youville College. All data collected will be confidential and no participant can be harmed by participation in this project. Data collected will be secured in an envelope by the researcher and placed in a secure and locked area in the office at D’Youville College to ensure confidentiality . The data will be kept in a secure location, at D’Youville for three years after the completion of the study and then destroyed.
Risks
There is no physical risk, psychological risk, economic risk, or legal risks.
Benefits
It is expected that data collected will assist with developing other cultural experiences for nursing students here at D’Youville.
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