Understanding and enhancing the learning experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse nursing students in an Australian bachelor of nursing program

Abstract

The growth in numbers of culturally and linguistically diverse students entering nursing programs in Australia presents challenges for academic and clinical staff, and most importantly the students themselves. In this paper we present the findings from a study designed to explore these challenges and to develop strategies to overcome them. This study used a qualitative explorative approach to gain rich in-depth data. Eleven culturally and linguistically diverse students, three clinical facilitators, and four academic staff participated in focus group interviews. Four major challenges emerged: level of English language competence; feelings of isolation; limited opportunities for learning; and inadequate University support. The challenges we identified led to a meaningful discussion of the political, financial, social and intercultural context in which they are trapped. This paper provides educators, clinicians, policy makers and researchers with an insight about where and how they can begin to break the trap. It highlights the need for further research into the perspectives of Australian students who study and socialise with their international peers. Key Words: English as a second language, International nursin