Abstract
BackgroundNursing is emotional work and learning how to manage their emotions is a valuable part of nurse education. As the workforce becomes increasingly mobile nurses will care for people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The development of cultural competence and a global mind-set is therefore a valuable asset and engagement in study abroad through overseas clinical placement can help to facilitate this. This study set out to explore the experience of student nurses involved in an exchange programme between Scotland and Western Australia. A particular focus was on the emotional aspects of the experience, responding to challenges and provision of care in a different healthcare setting.MethodsA descriptive qualitative strategy of enquiry was used and semi structured interviews undertaken with a sample of 10 student nurses using emotional touch points. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis using NVIVO 11.ResultsFive main themes were identified. Making it happen, connections, feeling vulnerable, culture and assertiveness and affirmation.ConclusionsThis study makes a unique contribution to the nursing student experience of overseas placement as it focuses on the emotional elements. The study shows that the experience of care delivery in an overseas placement has many benefits but also challenges. Management of emotion is required and transition to a different healthcare system can be stressful. Cultural differences were more marked than anticipated but when students responded by questioning, respectful assertiveness and provision of compassionate care there were clear rewards. These manifested as a sense that caring is a privilege and affirmation of career choice.
Highlights
Nursing is emotional work and learning how to manage their emotions is a valuable part of nurse education
Cultural awareness relates to reflection on personal values and beliefs, cultural knowledge considers the impact culture has on health and illness, while cultural sensitivity embraces relationship and how health professionals view the people in their care
The findings showed that overall the students felt there were many benefits to engaging in the exchange opportunities and challenges and surprises
Summary
Nursing is emotional work and learning how to manage their emotions is a valuable part of nurse education. As the workforce becomes increasingly mobile nurses will care for people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Cultural awareness relates to reflection on personal values and beliefs, cultural knowledge considers the impact culture has on health and illness, while cultural sensitivity embraces relationship and how health professionals view the people in their care. Together these enable appropriate interaction and care. One way for nursing students to advance in this journey of growing insight is to spend time in a different healthcare environment working with and caring for people from a culture other than their own. The experience has been found to help students to develop personally and professionally [3,4,5], including in terms of cultural
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