Nurses' Lived Experiences of Faith-Based Short-Term Medical Mission Trips

Abstract

To date, little has been shared of nurses' perception of their experiences after participating in faith-based, short-term medical mission trips. This qualitative research study, guided by Leininger's transcultural nursing theory and the Sunrise Model, explored this topic. The results illuminated seven themes and pointed to the importance of pretrip planning. The value for Christian nurses in engaging in international medical missions encompasses reflection and growth of one's worldview and experience in providing spiritual care cross-culturally.

Enhancing the Cultural Competence of Baccalaureate Nursing Students Through Short-term Study Abroad Programs

“…Student comments reflect support for the value of service-learning. Christian nurses would identify this type of transformation as spiritual growth (Harner et al, 2021). As one student indicated, “It is one thing to learn about healthcare differences, but it is something very different to experience it.…”

“…Another student noted, "I felt like people did not respect personal space, but I also feel like that might be something they do not value as much as Americans might." These comments suggest JCN Online Exclusive tion as spiritual growth (Harner et al, 2021). As one student indicated, "It is one thing to learn about healthcare differences, but it is something very different to experience it.…”

“…and awareness using a biblical worldview have been well documented (Harner et al, 2021;Matthew et al, 2018;O'Handley & Erlinger, 2019;Whelan et al, 2018). Dyches et al…”

“…Although research may be limited in the area of study-abroad learning programs for nursing students, the effects of short-term mission trips on nursing students' cultural competence and awareness using a biblical worldview have been well documented (Harner et al, 2021; Matthew et al, 2018; O'Handley & Erlinger, 2019; Whelan et al, 2018). Dyches et al (2019) led a service-learning mission trip to Haiti where pediatric care and cultural awareness were emphasized.…”