Program level of nursing students and the achievement of intercultural sensitivity after service learning experiences

Abstract

Nursing students require education and experience to develop cultural competence. Cultural sensitivity is a step on the journey to cultural competence. Nursing curricula vary regarding when and how to promote cultural sensitivity. Service learning (SL), is an experiential pedagogical method, which provides the opportunity to communicate and interact with persons from various cultures. A descriptive pilot study was undertaken in order to examine whether the program level affects the intercultural sensitivity of nursing students exposed to SL. The original Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) was used to assess intercultural sensitivity. In a paired samples t test, two statements in the ISS relating to Interaction Confidence (p = .006) and Respect for Cultural Differences (p = .002) demonstrated junior level students had increased intercultural sensitivity scores when compared with sophomore level students’ scores. This study may provide guidance to nursing faculty in determining at which level of students who will have maximal gain from SL.