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Learning Objective 1: Discuss the benefits of using focus groups to evaluate program content for Foreign-Educated Nurses
Learning Objective 2: Compare the difference in feedback offered by Foreign-Educated Nurses with paper and pencil evaluations versus focus groups.
SIGNIFICANCE: A well-planned residency program is necessary for FENs to ensure that the employer’s significant investment is realized, and that FENs remain committed to the organization1. Retention of FENs is more likely when FENs experience a successful transition to nursing practice in the United States. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the residency programs from the perspective of the FEN to determine their effectiveness in meeting their needs. Efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of such residency programs have been jeopardized due to cultural barriers encountered with conventional evaluation surveys. FENs most often restrain from discussing unpleasant issues for fear of losing their employment and disrespecting senior nurses2.
METHODOLOGY: Qualitative data was collected from focus groups consisting of 6 participants per session. Quantitative data was collected from paper evaluation forms consisting of the same questions used in the focus groups.
SAMPLE: A convenience sample of 19 FENs from all of the members of two cohorts of FENS.
DATA ANALYSIS: Transcripts of the focus group sessions were verified for accuracy, and reviewed for patterns and themes. Data from paper evaluations was aggregated and summarized and compared to qualitative findings.
FINDINGS: Focus group sessions resulted in significant feedback from study participants. Paper evaluation forms yielded little feedback. Comparative findings will be presented.
CONCLUSIONS: Focus group sessions were a far superior method of program evaluation for foreign-educated nurses when compared to the conventional paper and pencil evaluation method.