Current State of International Clinical Experiences in US Prelicensure Nursing Programs. Issue 5 (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McKinnon, Tamara; McNelis, Angela M.; de Leon, Kathleen; Whitlow, Malinda; Fitzpatrick, Joyce J.
• Is Part Of: Nursing education perspectives. Volume 40:Issue 5(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Global Citizens -- International Clinical Experiences -- Prelicensure RN Curriculum; Nursing -- United States -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; Education, Nursing; Nursing; Nursing; United States; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.73071073
• DOI: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000563
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1536-5026

Abstract

Abstract: AIM: The study purpose was to describe current international clinical experience (ICE) practices in RN prelicensure programs in the United States. BACKGROUND: 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. METHOD: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.