The perspective of doctoral nursing students engaged in mentored international research

Abstract

Five doctoral nursing students and their faculty traveled to St. Kitts and Nevis for a study abroad experience to apply research skills outside of a classroom setting as part of a disaster preparedness elective course. Nursing students reflected on their perspectives of conducting a mixed-methods research study in another country. Each student reported positive benefits from the experience, particularly emphasizing the importance of face-to-face mentorship in doing actual research as a part of doctoral studies to supplement research methods learned in online courses. Students also acknowledged challenges and learning opportunities within their experience. International mentored research projects can assist graduate nursing students through the transition from student to independent researcher. The authors believe these types of intensive research experiences should be encouraged and supported within nursing education.