Forming an Affiliation Between Two Culturally Different Academic Institutions of Nursing Studies

Abstract

Introduction This article describes the association of two culturally different institutions opening a joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for ultra-Orthodox Jewish (Haredi) women in order to enable them to find jobs due to changes in their society and increasing global demand for nurses in the labor market. The objective of this description is to illustrate the efforts and changes needed to facilitate the affiliation of two culturally and ideologically different organizations and the implications and conclusions of such a program. Methods The study is based on interviews with past administrators, a review of the literature, and supporting institution documents. Conclusions A joint nursing academic program was founded by two culturally different educational institutions for the ultra-Orthodox Jewish women population. Creating a culturally sensitive nursing academic program helped ultra-Orthodox women acquire an academic profession which enabled their integration into the academic professional's work world and add more nurses to the labor market. The authors reviewed the efforts and changes needed to facilitate the affiliation of two culturally and ideologically different organizations based on the Bolman and Deal four frames model.

Inclusion of Ultra-Orthodox Students in Higher Education: A Case Study about Women Seminary in the Engineering College of Jerusalem

“…As a result of the positive feedback from students, the Israeli council of Higher Education started approving similar endeavors, mainly in the domains of social work and instruction [31]. Similarly, Segev and Strauss [32] delineate the fruitful formation of a joint nursing program custom-tailored for Haredi women (Tessler Academic School of Nursing), which was established by the affiliation of the Ruppin Academic Center (a liberal secular institution) and the Sanz Medical Center-Laniado Hospital (founded in 1976 by the Klausenberg rabbi of the Sanz Chassidic movement and conforms to Jewish law in every detail).…”

Ultra-Orthodox Nursing Students’ Cultural Challenges Inside and Outside Their Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Ultra-Orthodox Jewish nursing students represent a new population in the nursing profession in Israel. This phenomenon derives from the recent changes and needs of the UO society [ 36 , 37 ]. Women are the main providers in UO households because men devote their lives to religious study [ 38 , 39 ].…”

“…This need was also recognized by the government, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 44 ], and, therefore, there is a need for both male and female ultra-Orthodox nurses. As part of the national plan for integrating the UO population in academic nursing studies, several schools in Israel provide dedicated, gender-segregated programs to UO men [ 36 ] and women [ 37 ].…”

“…Nevertheless, nursing is not yet an acceptable profession in this community because it challenges a few of their religious norms, and the entry of UO men and women into the nursing profession entails multiple challenges [ 36 , 37 ]: (1) This community generally opposes integrating in academic studies; (2) Nursing is a science-based discipline, and potential students need a strong foundation of science. The elementary and high school programs of the UO education system lack knowledge and skills in many domains; and (3) The Halakhah (Jewish law) specifies strict sex-based roles to avoid physical or other connection between men and women [ 45 ].…”