Culture of patient care among international nursing students: a focused ethnographic study

Abstract

Background

This study was conducted to describe and explain the culture of patient care in international nursing students.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted using focused ethnography. Participants ( n = 21) were purposefully selected from non-Iranian international students and their nursing instructors. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, and field-note taking. Data were analyzed with the Roper and Shapira inductive approach of ethnographic content analysis.

Results

The cultural model of the study included the acquisition of cultural competence through acceptance of differences and finding commonalities. Subcategories were: “avoiding cultural bias”, “trying to be on the path of adaptation”, “appealing to the support and companionship of colleagues”, “coping with culture shock”, “acculturation”, “getting help from cultural intelligence”, “cultural empathy”, and “language and communication enhancement”.

Conclusion

Cultural competence is teachable. The pattern of formation is through accepting differences and searching for commonalities. Suggestions for promoting the culture of care among international students include effective use of peer groups and teaching different national ethnicities and cultures.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12912-024-01807-1.