Current State of International Clinical Experiences in US Prelicensure Nursing Programs.

Abstract

The study purpose was to describe current international clinical experience (ICE) practices in RN prelicensure programs in the United States. There is interest in ICE to fulfill the goal of preparing global citizens; however, lack of evidence on developing, implementing, and evaluating best practices for ICE limits the enactment of this approach. An electronic survey was completed by 900 deans and/or directors of diploma, associate, bachelor's, accelerated bachelor's, and master's-entry RN prelicensure programs. Respondents (n = 241, 27 percent) indicated their programs included ICE. Across programs, ICE occurred most often in community health courses. The predominant reason for offering ICE was alignment with the institutional mission and vision. Wide variability exists in methods used to implement ICE for credit toward the nursing major. There is a need to continue to assess and disseminate best practices in implementing ICE to accomplish the goal of global health engagement.