Cultural Perceptions of Finnish Nursing Students Regarding People and Nurses of the United States: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This pilot study measures cultural awareness through perceptions of 139 Finnish nursing students regarding American people and nurses. Inquiry was guided by cultural dimensions depicted in Leininger's Sunrise Model. Statements of highest agreement were that: U.S. citizens frequently initiate lawsuits, have strong national identity, eagerly try new technological equipment, U.S. nurses have less authority than physicians, the U.S. shares technological advances with Third World countries. Statements of lowest agreement were that health care is available to all U.S. citizens, U.S. people live healthy lifestyles, U.S. nurses have knowledge of other cultures and knowledge of international health care issues, and U.S. citizens are law abiding. Almost half of the responses indicated neither agree nor disagree, with means between 2.7 and 3.3. Responses of Finnish students indicated stereotypical views of U.S. citizens and nurses.