International Postgraduate Academic Support, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Int Nurs Rev. 2012 Jun;59(2):215-21. doi: 10.1111/j.1466-7657.2011.00951.x. Epub 2011 Dec 7.
This paper presents findings from a study which explored a group of Saudi Arabian nurses' experiences of studying for a Masters degree in Australia.
Arab states in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia in particular, have high expatriate nursing populations, and governments in the region have allocated considerable funding to up-skilling their health workforce, often at Western universities. However, there has been little research into the learning experiences of nursing students from Middle East nations.
A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Middle Eastern students undertaking Masters courses in a School of Nursing and Midwifery at one Australian university were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Ten Saudi students participated and data were analysed using content analysis.
Students experienced challenges related to the transition to very different forms of study; to managing relationships and family. They were resourceful, employing strategies to manage multiple demands, including differences in culture, and stressed the significance of strong personal relationships with staff. Students acknowledged being changed, even transformed, by their experience, and saw themselves as future change agents.
Highly skilled local nursing professionals are being sought in many Middle Eastern countries and may undertake post-graduate studies in Western contexts quite different from their own. Students reported that, in spite of difficulties, their experience prompted transformational change: intellectually, psychologically and developmentally. It is necessary for staff to understand expectations and learning preferences of these students to ensure fruitful learning outcomes and benefits to nursing in their home countries.
本文介绍了一项研究的结果，该研究探讨了一群沙特阿拉伯护士在澳大利亚攻读硕士学位的经历。
中东地区的阿拉伯国家，特别是沙特阿拉伯，拥有大量的外籍护士，该地区的政府已经拨出相当数量的资金来提高其卫生劳动力的技能水平，通常是在西方大学。然而，对于来自中东国家的护理学生的学习经验，研究甚少。
采用描述性定性研究设计。一所澳大利亚大学护理和助产学院的中东学生被邀请参加半结构化访谈。有 10 名沙特学生参加，数据采用内容分析法进行分析。
学生们经历了与非常不同的学习形式过渡相关的挑战；与管理关系和家庭有关的挑战。他们很有创造力，采用策略来管理多种需求，包括文化差异，并强调与员工建立强大人际关系的重要性。学生们承认自己的经历使他们发生了变化，甚至是转变，他们认为自己是未来的变革推动者。
许多中东国家都在寻找高技能的本地护理专业人员，他们可能会在与自己完全不同的西方背景下进行研究生学习。学生们报告说，尽管困难重重，但他们的经历促使他们发生了从智力、心理和发展方面的变革。工作人员有必要了解这些学生的期望和学习偏好，以确保取得富有成效的学习成果，并为他们在本国的护理工作带来益处。
