Colleen Rolls

The impact on attitudes towards cultural difference of participation in a health focused study abroad program

Abstract The changes in attitudes towards cultural difference of seventeen participants in a three-week community health study abroad program to Nepal were compared with the changes in attitudes of a similar group who did not participate in the tour. Participants in the tour group were surveyed eight weeks prior to departure and in the last week of the tour using a twenty-six item questionnaire employing a six-point forced-choice response scale. The responses of participants in the lour group showed significant shifts in relation to eight items compared while the responses for the control group showed no significant shifts. Observed student advantages of participation in this study tour included the development of independent behaviour and positive cultural adjustment and adaptation.

Nurses on the Move: Evaluation of a Program to Assist International Students Undertaking an Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing Program

This paper reports on an evaluation of a Teaching and Learning Enhancement Scheme (TALES) program designed to meet the unique need of the 2005 cohort of international nursing students undertaking an accelerated Bachelor of Nursing (BN) program at the Victorian campus of Australian Catholic University (ACU) National. The program involved a team approach with three academic mentors and the international students working together to produce satisfactory learning outcomes through fortnightly meetings and provision of additional assistance including compiling a portfolio, reflective writing, English, including colloquial English and pronunciation, as well as familiarisation with handover and abbreviations common in the clinical field, general communication, assistance with preparing a resume and participation in simulated interviews. This relatively small group of international students (20) confirmed the findings of other studies from other countries of international nursing students’ in terms of concerns in regard to studying in a foreign country, namely English proficiency, communication difficulties, cultural differences and unfamiliarity with the health care environment. The assistance provided by the program was identified by the completing students as invaluable in helping them settle into study and successfully complete the theoretical and clinical components of the course.

Undergraduate midwifery students' first experiences with stillbirth and neonatal death.

Abstract While midwifery practice predominantly deals with happy experiences, unexpected and unpredictable events occur. This paper reports on a study that explored undergraduate midwifery students’ first experiences of stillbirth and neonatal death. It sought to better understand their encounters to ensure curricula were responsive to students’ needs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Bachelor of Midwifery students. Many were found to have been exposed to perinatal death early in their courses and were ill prepared for the confrontations. Furthermore, the existence of support services was varied. Dealing with these experiences appears to occur through a developmental process and resonates with previous research around compassion, fatigue and posttraumatic stress disorder. Overall, students require specific preparation prior to undertaking placements, as well as clearly identified support strategies if such experiences are encountered.

Culturally and linguistically diverse older adults relocating to residential aged care.

Abstract Objective: To explore nursing home relocation experiences of overseas-born, culturally and linguistically diverse elderly. Methods: Using a grounded theory approach, interviews were conducted with 20 residents of four nursing homes in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Results: Consistent with the grounded theory method, the initial objectives of exploring the participants’ nursing home relocation experience focused on the pathways they had taken en route to nursing homes and the strategies used to bring their cultures with them. Conclusion: Participants made little suggestion that culture was an important consideration in their decision making about responding to loss or moving to the nursing home until they began discussing offers of care from their family. Cultural considerations are important factors in assessing the quality of a nursing home and in strategies used for settling into the home. Notably, many of the cultural practices and meanings described by residents were common to many cultures and were experienced by older adults as culturally meaningful.

The challenge of implementing an undergraduate midwifery course within a three university consortium

Abstract The Werna Naloo Bachelor of Midwifery Consortium was formed between three universities in Victoria in 2000 to deliver a three-year Bachelor of Midwifery course. This paper describes the challenges experienced in implementing a multi-university consortium course, some of the steps taken to address course issues, as well as identifying the positive aspects of working within a consortium. Challenges related to administration of the course within the three universities and on-line subject delivery. Steps take to address challenges included establishment of a committee structure, including a curriculum implementation committee, ongoing dialogue between the course coordinators involved and being pro active in ensuring smooth delivery of the on-line content of the course. Some of the concerns expressed by the academics involved in the consortium reflected the findings of other reports of consortium education courses. These were insufficient time for ongoing sharing of ideas because of geographical distance resulting in some overlap of subject content, as well as the time taken to travel between institutions for meetings. Consortium benefits were the collegial sharing of ideas and resources, and the conversion of competition into alliance.

How do early parenting centres support women with an infant who has a sleep problem

Abstract Some women who have an infant experiencing sleep problems are so sleep deprived themselves that admission to an early parenting centre is needed to help them better manage the situation. This paper reports on a qualitative study that used focus group methods to interview families who were admitted to an early parenting centre for persistent infant sleep problems. Results showed that parents needed a variety of strategies such as instructional, emotional and physical supports to develop confidence to manage infant’s sleep disturbance at home.