Abstract
AIM: The purpose of this literature review is to provide nurse educators with the evidence necessary to support future research and expansion of programs for English-as-a-second-language (ESL) nursing students.
BACKGROUND: Nursing education has expanded significantly in response to the Institute of Medicine's 2010 call for an increase in the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses. The demographics of nursing students have also grown to include those who are ethnically and linguistically diverse. This literature review presents a robust compilation of evidence providing insight into the integration experience of nursing students from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.
METHOD: Peer-reviewed articles, along with other seminal sources, were identified.
RESULTS: The evidence highlights student challenges with academic language, cultural stressors, and faculty support.
CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that ESL nursing students experience challenges with academic integration. Future research can provide insight into how these students navigate specific learning environments.