Design: A paradigm shift from pure science (zoology) to health care sciences (nursing).

Population, Sample, Setting, Years: The population included eleven male nursing students who acquired bachelor degrees from the College of Nursing and Health Science (CNHS) at George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, Virginia. Settings were King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the CNHS at GMU.

Variables: Concepts studied for intervention included the education and professional experiences required to meet the objectives of the paradigm shift and the shift from a culture of pure science to nursing, including the environmental factors that influence each culture. These concepts were fully addressed as they helped in preparing a community of new scholars in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: The methodology of this paradigm shift involved several consecutive steps to be met before advancing to the next level. The first step involved enrollment in the second degree nursing program at GMU. The following step required a minimum of 2 ½ years working experience at KFSH&RC. Master and PhD Degrees in Nursing and Graduate Certificates in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration were obtained during the graduate studies at GMU. Teaching experience was acquired through a reflective teaching model, starting with a teaching assistantship and ending with a faculty position.

Findings: The objectives of the steps involved in this model were successfully planned and implemented.

Conclusions: This model can be applied to develop nurse administrators, educators, and researchers.

Implications: Policy initiatives to support the continued preparation of a community of new scholars for nursing education, research and practice.

Back to Building a Community of New Scholars
Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004