Collaborating to Strengthening the Cultural Competence of Accelerated Second Degree Students in Prenatal Care with a Virtual Community

Abstract

The population of the United States is changing with increases in minority populations. If patients from diverse racial, ethnic or sociocultural backgrounds are not provided culturally competent care, it could negatively impact the health of the community Although faculty attempt to expose students to diverse experiences, the geographic restrictions, local population characteristics, and limited clinical sites make this goal difficult to attain. The recent simulation study completed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has changed the way nursing educators approach clinical experiences for students.

Two private universities, one in rural Ohio and another in urban Pennsylvania, collaborated to provide virtual simulated experiences that focused on culturally diverse pre and postnatal patients. The women were Amish and African American community members who participated in videotaped and/or audiotaped vignettes Students collaborated in managing the care of these patients by interacting with each other and the community members to create culturally competent pre and post-natal care plans for both patients.

Results demonstrated a positive correlation in the self-efficacy of the students (