Nursing Students Serving, Transforming, and Leading within 5 Miles to 3000 Miles

Purpose/Aims: Our local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau includes students who serve, transform, and lead in a variety of settings. These settings include those in our own neighborhood to the far lying islands of the South Pacific. We will describe cultural diversity courses that our nursing programs offer. Essential components of discussion will include (a) selection and sustainability of the sites, (b) utilizing STT awards and other financial resources to help the student, and (c) interprofessional and community collaboration.

Rationale/ Background: Emphasis is being placed on educating nursing students to provide culturally competent care. One way of accomplishing this is for nursing schools to develop a carefully selected, sustainable cultural diversity courses that immerse students in another culture. Students from other disciplines may be included for interprofessional collaboration to broaden the experience. Establishing connections within the community is vital to a successful cultural diversity course. We have utilized many local and international sites over the years. Each of these sites have posed unique challenges in setting up effective cultural nursing learning experiences. 

Description: In our presentation we will discuss: 1) The initial process for selecting a local or international site.  These are based on key factors including student interest, cultural diversity, language feasibility, and potential healthcare opportunities. Ultimately, sites are chosen based on the criteria of sustainability, safety, diversity, cultural experiences and clinical opportunities. 2) Financial help to the student is another topic of interest. Along with awarding Sigma Theta Tau cultural diversity awards, our institution offers mentoring awards and research scholarships.

3) Students are able to practice collaborative care along with culturally-competent nursing care. We will identify “lessons-learned” examples on how we have included interprofessional collaboration.

Outcomes/Conclusions: Cultural diversity courses for nursing students can be a benefit to students, faculty and partners. Collaboration has provided enriching experiences preparing students to deliver culturally appropriate care both locally and internationally