Becoming a global nurse: A thematic and interpretive analysis of bachelor's theses at the Swedish Red Cross University College

Abstract

The overall purpose of this study was to initiate the process of developing a comprehensive theoretical framework associating the three entities defining the Swedish Red Cross University College (SRCUC): global nursing, global health and Red Cross and Red Crescent's perspective (RCRC). To do so, an analysis of nursing bachelor's theses over two periods (2011–2012 and 2015–2016) was initially needed to capture the academic essence. Two specific aims were defined: 1) To describe how global nursing and global health, in conjunction with the RCRC perspective, were addressed and contextualized in nursing bachelor's theses; and 2) To investigate how students’ knowledge in global awareness and vision has developed over time. Two overarching themes were identified: Conceptualizing caring relations and moving towards the body of global awareness and Understanding the art of nursing and ethics in complex nursing actions. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guidelines were used to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. By promoting relevant knowledge, the SRCUC prepares future nurses for upcoming health needs at the planetary level.