"I Saw it in a Different Light": International Learning Experiences in Baccalaureate Nursing Education

Health care providers in the United States are faced with delivering care to an increasingly diverse population. Nursing leaders and their respective organizations long have recognized the need to prepare nurses who understand the effects of the growing global community. Inclusion of cultural content in theory courses and clinical assignments in diverse settings are two ways to increase student nurses' cultural competency. This study explored the experiences of nursing students and faculty mentors who sought to increase their cultural competence through participation in a short-term immersion learning project in Central America. Analysis of data gathered through interviews and journal entries identified three themes--being "other," "I was already a nurse," and expanding my worldview.