‘Work in progress’: nurse educators' views on preparing pre-registration nursing students in Wales for practice in multi-ethnic environments

Abstract

Nurses need to be adequately prepared to practise competently in increasingly ethnically diverse communities. This study explored nurse educators' views regarding the extent and nature of pre-registration nursing education intended to prepare students for multi-ethnic practice in Wales. A qualitative approach was taken with a purposive sample of programme directors (n = 6), branch leaders and lecturers (n = 25) and practice mentors (n = 35). Data were collected through focus groups, interviews, questionnaire and documentary review. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and three themes were identified: curriculum design and content, a theory–practice gap and personnel and material resources. Findings indicated that knowledge of the most effective way to prepare pre-registration nursing students for practice in multi-ethnic communities is ‘work in progress’ in Wales. Our findings raise questions about the extent to which the curriculum prepares students to engage with the Welsh social justice agenda. Improved clarity regarding what constitutes an adequate curriculum and improved preparation of nurse educators and mentors to competently and confidently prepare students for working within ethnically diverse communities is required.