Challenges, support, and strategies concerning learning among nursing students who have English as an additional language: A meta-synthesis

Aims

While studies regarding the learning experiences of international nursing students are increasing, a summary of previous evidence about the challenges, support, and strategies to learning in those students was scarce. The current review was to examine the qualitative literature exploring challenges, support, and strategies for learning in nursing students who have English as an additional language.

Design

A meta-synthesis.

Methods

A search for relevant reports published between January 2000 and July 2023 was conducted across four electronic databases. Reports focusing on learning experiences among EAL nursing students were eligible for inclusion. Qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique and all included reports were appraised by the CASP checklist.

Results

A total of 16 reports were included. The results exhibited that EAL nursing students faced multiple challenges like language barriers, balancing responsibilities, immigration issues, and more, but might benefit from a range of support systems and employ various strategies that enhance their skills and lead to academic success.

Conclusions

This meta-synthesis on EAL nursing students highlighted their complex academic journey with unique barriers, support systems, and strategies employed to achieve success. The findings also underscored a need for tailored support and inclusive curricula to address their unique needs, fostering an equitable learning environment and enabling their full academic potential in this population.