Reflections Across Boundaries: The European Nursing Module

Abstract

This article explores the development and implementation of an internationally agreed module, the European Nursing Module. This module comprises 4 weeks of student learning and is coordinated by a network of 26 colleges in 14 European countries. It is hoped that through the module, students are helped to acquire cultural sensitivity, which leads toward the development of a culturally competent health care practitioner. The development of the module, the student experience, and the added value of the network are shared. It is argued that considerable cultural learning can occur from short international electives when students and teaching staff are well prepared and sensitised to cultural issues prior to their exchange.

Future nurses’ cultural competencies: what are their learning experiences during exchange and studies abroad? A systematic literature review

“…2004). Reflection of one’s own values and their appreciation was crucial in the adjustment process because it advanced understanding and acceptance and later utilization of experiences (Watt et al. 2002, Sandin et al.…”

“…This change also included the feeling of being a different person after the exchange. This was described as the expansion of the world view (Watt et al. 2002, Kokko 2008).…”

“…The world view consisted of the perception of the self and the ‘surrounding world’. The students felt that they were more tolerant and international than before going on the exchange (Watt et al. 2002, Kokko 2008, Torsvik & Hedlund 2008).…”

“…The selected literature consisted of two ( n = 2) doctoral dissertations (Koskinen 2003, Kokko 2008) and five ( n = 5) articles (Watt et al. 2002, Sandin et al.…”

“…Experiential learning includes the concept of reflection and it has been claimed that only through reflection is it possible to comprehend and understand the difference which a nursing student encounters while on exchange (Ruddock & deSales Turner 2007, Torsvik & Hedlund 2008). Although there is disagreement as to the importance of reflection in this process (Richardson & Maltby 1998), some researchers have pointed out that a nursing student’s cultural awareness increases and a new dimension emerges in the worldview after exchange (Watt et al. 2002, Koskinen 2003).…”