Abstracts
Abstract
Purpose: The benefits of study-abroad experiences for nursing students have been well documented. Since 2010, an undergraduate nursing program in Northern Canada has had an exchange partnership with nursing schools in Northern Norway. Given the mostly anecdotally reported successes of the exchanges, this study aimed to formally investigate the educational experiences of Northern Canadian nursing students who completed a clinical practicum and cultural experience in Northern Norway.
Methods: This qualitative study employed photovoice methodology. As photovoice is participatory action research (PAR), students learned about the methodology prior to embarking on their international exchange. While abroad, they engaged in photographic documentation that later served as a catalyst for data collection (interviews and focus group) and data analysis. Aligned with PAR, students participated with the researchers in data analysis. Moreover, the photos and stories later served as a tool to bring about action; specifically, the students endorsed future exchanges.
Results: Four nursing students (n = 3 in third year; n = 1 in fourth year) who completed a 7-week course in Northern Norway during 2023 participated in this study. Thematic analysis revealed “gaining perspective” as the overarching theme. Three subthemes highlighted other ways of knowing, being, and doing for nursing practice and life.
Conclusion: Similar to other evidence supporting study-abroad experiences for nursing students, this opportunity for Northern Canadian nursing students in another circumpolar country offered professional and personal learning.
Keywords:
- study abroad,
- photovoice,
- nursing students,
- cultural exchange
Résumé
Objectif : Les avantages des expériences d’études à l’étranger pour les étudiantes et étudiants en sciences infirmières sont bien documentés. Depuis 2010, un programme de premier cycle en sciences infirmières du Nord canadien a conclu un partenariat d’échange avec des écoles de sciences infirmières du nord de la Norvège. Compte tenu du succès de ces échanges, principalement rapporté de manière anecdotique, cette étude visait à examiner formellement les expériences éducatives des étudiantes et étudiants en sciences infirmières du Nord canadien ayant effectué un stage en milieu clinique et vécu une expérience culturelle dans le nord de la Norvège.
Méthode : Cette étude qualitative a utilisé la méthode de recherche photovoice, soit une recherche-action participative (RAP) à laquelle les étudiantes et étudiants ont été initiés avant leur participation au programme d’échanges international. Lors de leur séjour à l’étranger, elles et ils ont réalisé une documentation photographique qui a ensuite servi de catalyseur à la collecte et à l’analyse de données (entretiens et groupes de discussion). Dans le cadre de la RAP, les étudiantes et étudiants ont collaboré avec le groupe de recherche à l’analyse des données. De plus, les photos et les récits ont servi d’outil pour susciter des actions; les étudiantes et étudiants ont notamment approuvé de futurs échanges.
Résultats : Quatre étudiantes et étudiants en sciences infirmières (n = 3 en troisième année; n = 1 en quatrième année) ayant suivi un cours de 7 semaines dans le nord de la Norvège en 2023 ont participé à cette étude. L’analyse thématique a révélé que « élargir sa perspective » était le thème principal. Trois sous-thèmes ont mis en évidence d’autres façons de savoir, d’être et de faire pour la pratique infirmière et la vie.
Conclusion : À l’instar d’autres preuves à l’appui des expériences d’études à l’étranger pour les étudiantes et étudiants en sciences infirmières, cette occasion pour des étudiantes et étudiants du Nord canadien a offert un apprentissage professionnel et personnel dans un autre pays circumpolaire.
Appendices
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