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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Mary Agnes Kendra, PhD, APRN, BC, Therese Dowd, PhD, RN, and Kathleen Tusaie, PhD, RN. College of Nursing, The University of Akron, 209 Carroll Street, Akron, OH 44325-3701, 330-972-7559, kendra7@uakron.edu

Cultural competence is of great importance for educating nursing students. In an effort to educate nurses to work in the global community, an international nursing course provided an opportunity to study the German health care system including nursing. Twelve students traveled to Germany to take advantage of this study abroad. During the two week course, lectures by nursing faculty were held at the Katholische Fachhochschule in Freiburg, Germany and visits to various clinical agencies were organized by Caritas, the second largest employer of health care in the country. Opportunities were arranged to interact with administrators and nurses from hospitals, a school for nursing (including their nursing students), and nursing homes.

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the potential for cross-cultural effectiveness among students who enrolled in this international course. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent their immersion in the German Culture changed their adaptability and awareness of another culture.

A survey descriptive design was used. The Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI) self-assessment tool was administered prior to, and approximately 16 weeks following the students' return from Germany to compare and contrast their potential for cross-cultural effectiveness. Findings will be presented within the context of understanding the cross-cultural adaptability and awareness of the students who participated in this study.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe methods to expand student awareness of global aspects of health care.
• Articulate positive aspects of providing opportunities for international study
• Discuss changes in student cultural awareness and sensitivity

Keywords: Public Health Nursing, Cultural Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation