1 research outputs found
Nursing students’ understanding of the concept of culture
Using a critical ethnography design, the investigator foregrounds nursing
students understanding of the concept of culture, how they learn about the concept
of culture, and apply what they learn in providing care for a culturally diverse
population. Eight students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and educational
backgrounds, with varying lengths of clinical experience voluntarily participated in
the study. Data were collected through access to two students' reflective journals
and in-depth interviews with students using open-ended questions, which were
audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Socio-demographic data were also collected.
The data were analysed using narrative analytical techniques.
The findings from this study suggest first, that students hold diverse
perspectives on the concept of culture. At the same time, it is also crucial to value
and respect the perspectives of others and recognise the implications o f particular
ideological stances toward the concept of culture. Second, the process of learning
and understanding about culture involves giving voice to multiple representations
of realities, and cannot be isolated from socio-cultural, historical, economic, and
political contexts. Third, inequalities and oppression that result from particular
perspectives on culture can only be overcome when nursing students and nurses
engage in a continuous discourse and problematise culture and bring critical
perspectives to the processes of learning about culture. In addition, learning about
culture must be ongoing and must draw from academic, personal and nursing
experiences. Fourth, there is a dialectic relationship between culture and life
experiences. The research indicates that the perception of culture influences values
and beliefs, and these values and beliefs are rooted in their life experiences,
whether they be of a personal, academic, and nursing nature.Applied Science, Faculty ofNursing, School ofGraduat