English-as-a-second language nursing students' perceptions of standardized patients as a teaching-learning tool

King, Krista (2015) English-as-a-second language nursing students' perceptions of standardized patients as a teaching-learning tool. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (1MB)

Abstract

To help offset an unprecedented nursing shortage and reduce healthcare disparities among visible minorities, it is imperative that Canadian nursing schools increase their enrollment and retention of English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) nursing students. However, ESL nursing students struggle academically. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the perceived effectiveness of standardized patients as a means to achieve academic success among ESL nursing students. Using focus group methodology, 35 ESL nursing students shared their perceptions of standardized patients as a teaching-learning tool. Analysis generated seven core ideas: (1) psychological safety; (2) comfort communication; (3) psychomotor skill development; (4) second-language acquisition; (5) change in attitudes; (6) debrief, debrief, debrief; and (7) learning takes time. Based on focus group findings, standardized patient simulation creates a supportive community of practice that enables ESL nursing students to experience a sense of psychological safety as they acquired new learning in cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains. Additionally, ESL nursing students were also able to enhance their English proficiency as they communicated complex medical information to patients and/or families. ESL nursing students professed that the opportunity to engage in both debriefing sessions and repeat practice sessions were instrumental to their learning. A strategic transformation in the delivery of education to ESL nursing students is needed. ESL nursing students will attain positive learning outcomes if they are immersed in a supportive and contextually-rich learning environment fostered by standardized patient simulation that encourages them to strive for mastery.

Actions (login required)

View Item