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Nurses on the Move: Evaluation of a program to assist international students undertaking an accelerated Bachelor of Nursing Program
Carmel Seibold
Associate Dean, Research, Research Training and Partnerships, Faculty of Health Science, Australian Catholic University, St Patrick's Campus, Melbourne VIC
Colleen Rolls
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy VIC
Michelle Campbell
School of Nursing, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy VIC
Abstract
This paper reports on an evaluation of a Teaching and Learning Enhancement Scheme (TALES) program designed to meet the unique need of the 2005 cohort of international nursing students undertaking an accelerated Bachelor of Nursing (BN) program at the Victorian campus of Australian Catholic University (ACU) National.
The program involved a team approach with three academic mentors and the international students working together to produce satisfactory learning outcomes through fortnightly meetings and provision of additional assistance including compiling a portfolio, reflective writing, English, including colloquial English and pronunciation, as well as familiarisation with handover and abbreviations common in the clinical field, general communication, assistance with preparing a resume and participation in simulated interviews.
This relatively small group of international students (20) confirmed the findings of other studies from other countries of international nursing students' in terms of concerns in regard to studying in a foreign country, namely English proficiency, communication difficulties, cultural differences and unfamiliarity with the health care environment. The assistance provided by the program was identified by the completing students as invaluable in helping them settle into study and successfully complete the theoretical and clinical components of the course.
Keywords
international students, nursing, cultural differences, communication, English proficiency
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