Northeastern Ontario minority nursing student experiences of cultural insensitivity in clinical practice settings

Abstract

Research suggests that student nurses who experience discrimination or racialization face barriers in clinical practice that can lead to negative health outcomes, such as anxiety and emotional exhaustion. There is a lack of research examining minority nursing students’ experiences of cultural insensitivity in clinical settings and the strategies they use to cope when encountering culturally insensitive experiences in Northeastern Ontario. This study addresses that gap by exploring the experiences of minority nursing students and how they cope with these situations. The two research questions guiding this interpretive descriptive design are: 1) What are the experiences of minority nursing students with cultural insensitivity in clinical settings in Northeastern Ontario? and 2) What strategies or coping mechanisms do nursing students use to address these situations? This study uses Sally Thorne’s (2016) interpretive description methodology guided by the conceptual framework for embracing cultural diversity (Registered Nurses of Ontario, 2007). Northeastern minority nursing students (n=10) participated in this research. Five major themes were identified from the data analysis: 1) experiences of cultural insensitivity in clinical settings, 2) coping strategies, 3) emotional and psychological impact, 4) systemic barriers in nursing education and clinical practice, and 5) building inclusive and culturally competent nursing practices. These experiences created significant barriers to minority nursing students' professional and personal development. The participants' experiences highlight the need for nursing programs to develop and implement policies that actively address discrimination in clinical settings. The findings demonstrated the need for additional cultural competency training for faculty and students to better understand the diverse backgrounds of patients and fellow students. Institutions should also consider implementing peer support networks to assist students in creating a sense of community and belonging among nursing students. These types of programs can provide a safe space for students to share their experiences and seek support.