A Cultural Immersion Experience for Nursing Students

Authors

  • Anne Marie Jones Western Carolina University
  • Judy Neubrander Western Carolina University
  • Marie Huff Western Carolina University

Abstract

This research study explores the effects of an intense cultural immersion experience on nursing students' cultural attitudes. Students were exposed to an intense ten day clinical cultural experience in a developing country in South America. They were pre-tested on their cultural attitudes using Cushner's Inventory of Cross-Cultural Sensitivity (ICCS), they completed guided journal experiences during the trip, and they took the same inventory, post experience. Although quantitative results were not statistically significant, their quantitative journals indicate a significant change in cultural attitudes.


Author Biographies

Judy Neubrander, Western Carolina University

School of Nursing

Associate Professor of Nursing

Marie Huff, Western Carolina University

Dr. Marie T. Huff is an Asheville native who came to WCU in 1998. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia in 1986 and her Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in 1998. Before becoming Associate Dean in 2008, Dr. Huff was a faculty member in the department of social work and served as department head from 2006-2008. Dr. Huff has over ten years of social work practice experience is in the field of mental health with adolescents and their families. She was employed as a clinical social worker and maintained a part-time private practice in Georgia. Her teaching and research interest include addictions and cultural competence in mental health practice.  She can be reached at mhuff@email.wcu.edu.

Published

2012-04-19

Issue

Vol. 2, No. 1, April 2012

Section

General-NoTitle

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