Alumni Perspectives on Cultural Competence After a Rural Farms Immersion Experience.

BACKGROUND

The Rural Farms program is a domestic intercultural immersion in a senior-level community health and leadership nursing clinical course. Students provide on-site health and safety education, health screenings, and immunizations to Latino/a/e workers on rural dairy farms. This study explored the effects of the experience on perceived cultural competence and its translation to nursing practice after graduation.

METHOD: Qualitative data were collected via survey from alumni who completed the Rural Farms program between 2011 and 2018. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes depicting dimensions of cultural competence were identified: (1) awareness; (2) attitudes; and (3) behaviors. Responses implied a progressive nature to these themes that was initiated through the experiences of the clinical experience and sustained in nursing practice following graduation.

CONCLUSION

Domestic intercultural immersion may enhance cultural competence while simultaneously expanding clinical opportunities, meeting community health needs and preparing future nurses to advance health equity.