Enculturation of Foreign Nurse Graduates: An Integrated Model

Abstract

Graduates of foreign nursing schools are a unique and valuable resource of the U.S. health care delivery system. Due to inadequate communication skills and a lack of cultural enculturation of many foreign nurse graduates (FNGs), some may not reach their full potential as a professional nurse. Agencies who employ FNGs can greatly improve their integration by providing continuing education to enhance communication and cultural enculturation. This model of a communications skills course addresses all aspects of communication: therapeutic, verbal and non-verbal, while integrating a cultural component. Thus, the implementation of this model can enhance foreign nurse graduates' ability to practice in the U.S. health care system.