Expectations and experiences of bachelor of nursing conversion program students.

Okello, S., Medigovich, K., & Armson, A. Completed: 2010 (Honours)
HREC Approval number: 2010/125

The number of international students joining Australian universities continues to rise. The Bachelor of Nursing Conversion Program is one of the courses that attract many international students from different nations with diverse cultural identities. Bachelor of Nursing Conversion Program provides overseas registered nurses with the opportunity to obtain an undergraduate degree and improve their scope of knowledge and nursing skills. It also prepares them for postgraduate studies. This study aimed to determine the experiences of Bachelor of Nursing Conversion Program students while enrolled in the course and identify their prior expectations. This study investigated if student’s educational expectations were being met by the faculty. Students’ future expectations after completing their course were also explored. Additionally the coping mechanisms the students employed in dealing with challenges facing them and their expectations of the faculty were investigated. The study used a qualitative approach to explore their experiences and prior expectations.

Data was collected using face to face interviews. Eight international students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing Conversion Program at an Australian university were recruited into the study. Thematic analysis was undertaken to understand the experiences and expectations of Bachelor of Nursing Conversion students. The five themes that emerged from data analysis were: Challenges of the English language, Cultural experiences, Challenges of settling in Australia as a student, Clinical placement experiences and Nursing students’ expectations on completion of program. Findings of this study illuminate the experiences and expectations of Bachelor of Nursing Conversion students and may provide the nursing faculty with useful information on student needs and, challenges that impact their studies. Recommendations for the Bachelor Nursing Conversion program are suggested.