International Clinical meets Many NONPF competencies

Purpose:  The purpose of this presentation is to relate results of a qualitative study of competencies met by final semester Nurse Practitioner (NP) students in an interdisciplinary, international clinical experience which creates an opportunity for education of NP’s and enhances services to the underserved.

Method:  Each year 2 faculty precept 8 to 10 Advanced Practice students in a clinic in a remote area of Guatemala serving the underserved/indigent population in the rural highlands.  The students are the providers in the clinic and join an interdisciplinary team within a non-governmental organization providing primary care to approximately 100 patients each day.  Undergraduate nursing students have been studied in international settings, but few studies have been done looking at graduate students providing care internationally.  NP education in the US is guided by the competencies developed by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).  Currently there is no standard or guideline for international learning at the NP level.  A qualitative questionnaire was developed based on the NONPF competencies to learn which NP competencies were being met. Students completed a questionnaire prior to leaving, daily during the time in Guatemala as well as upon return to the US.   Additionally, students are evaluated on a regular clinical evaluation form by the two faculty preceptors. IRB approval was granted and the daily feedback forms were coded so that all responses were anonymous.

Results:  It was anticipated that the competencies that would be most applicable would be the cultural competencies.  The results were most interesting in that the competencies that were met at the highest level and with the most positive feedback were those related to interdisciplinary work, team work and collaboration.  Additionally, competencies related to role development, including autonomous practice and personal responsibility were met.  While the cultural competencies were indeed met, there were others that were far more significant. This international experience is an effective use of resources to serve the underserved as well as to creatively enhance the education of the NP student.