Challenges faced by Indigenous nursing students and strategies that aided their progress in the course: a descriptive study

Usher, Kim, Lindsay, David, Miller, Maria, and Miller, Adrian (2005) Challenges faced by Indigenous nursing students and strategies that aided their progress in the course: a descriptive study. Contemporary Nurse, 19 (1-2). pp. 17-31.

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Abstract

Marked improvements in Indigenous health can be achieved by increasing the participation of Indigenous people in the health professions. Currently in Australia the participation by Indigenous people in the health professions is low and the Indigenous people of Australia continue to have poor health outcomes. This qualitative study utilised interviews with 22 Indigenous students enrolled in undergraduate nursing degrees across Australia, to explore the challenges they faced and uncover the strategies they had found helpful to their progress in the course. The findings indicate that students are challenged by financial hardship, staff insensitivity to cultural issues, discrimination, lack of Indigenous mentors, poor study skills, lack of adequate educational preparation, lack of resources, and ongoing family commitments. Strategies identified as particularly helpful to tenure within the course include specific Indigenous support units, adequate financial support, interested academics, Aboriginal Tertiary Assistance Scheme (ATAS) tutors, support from family and friends, and support from other students.

Item ID: 665
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1037-6178
Keywords: Indigenous nurses, retention, Indigenous health, undergraduate nursing education, qualitative research
Additional Information:

Copyright 2005 EContent Management Pty Ltd

Date Deposited: 23 Oct 2006
FoR Codes: 13 EDUCATION > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130312 Special Education and Disability @ 50%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1110 Nursing > 111099 Nursing not elsewhere classified @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920210 Nursing @ 51%
93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9399 Other Education and Training > 939999 Education and Training not elsewhere classified @ 49%
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