Cultural Competency: Measuring the Sustainability Following an Immersion Program for Undergraduate Students Maureen C. Roller, DNP, RN, ANP-BC Helen C. Ballestas, PhD, RN, ANP-BC
Acknowledgements This research was supported by the Nurse Practitioner Association of Long Island, New York. The authors wish to acknowledge with gratitude the research grant award of 2013 from the Nurse Practitioner Association of Long Island.
■ Abstract Purpose: To determine the effects of a study abroad program on cultural competence one year post experience compared to immediate post experience. One method of teaching cultural diversity is experiential. Study abroad programs offer students an experience working with individuals from other cultures. To date, only a few articles describe cultural competency one year post immersion outcomes. Measuring if competence is retained once developed is important for program planning and evaluation. Design: Quantitative comparison design measured cultural competency based on an immersion program and utilizing an instrument students completed at the conclusion of the program (N = 18) and one year after participating in the program (N = 15). Results: A 13.3% improvement in the highest category (culturally proficient), and t-test scores of 78.83 post experience and 78.80 one year later were recorded. No significant difference was revealed. The group’s overall cultural competency was maintained one year post immersion course. Conclusion: Cultural competency that increased at the conclusion of a study abroad program was maintained one year post immersion experience for baccalaureate nursing students. Keywords: cultural competency, baccalaureate nursing students, post-immersion program
Introduction The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2008) stresses the importance of including cultural competence content in nursing education
today. This is especially crucial given the changing cultural landscape in the United States. The U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) in 2010 reported over 37% of the U.S. population as non-white. The Hispanic population grew
Maureen C. Roller is currently a Clinical Associate Professor at Adelphi University, College of Nursing and Public Health. Helen C. Ballestas is currently an Associate Professor and Director of the Undergraduate Program at Long Island University – Post. Journal of the New York State Nurses Association, Volume 45, Number 1
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