Developing Intercultural Competency Among Students in the College of Allied Health and Nursing Students

Presenter Information

Lydia Jagodzinkski, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Rebecca Engeswick, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 201

Start Date

2-4-2019 10:00 AM

End Date

2-4-2019 11:00 AM

Student's Major

Family Consumer Science

Student's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Mentor's Name

Elizabeth Sandell

Mentor's Department

Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Mentor's College

Education

Second Mentor's Name

Lynette Engeswick

Second Mentor's Department

Dental Hygiene

Second Mentor's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Description

The study examined Intercultural Competence (ICC) among a group of university undergraduate students who were early in their studies. Mareno & Hart (2014) noted that demographic patterns have shifted toward becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Health care providers must be equipped to provide culturally competent care to patients. This study will help universities develop curriculum that fosters student development of their ICC. For this study, ICC was defined as the capability to accurately understand and adapt behavior to cultural difference and commonality (Hammer & Bennett, 2010). The study responded to these research questions: What is the starting level of cultural competence among undergraduate students in the College of Allied Health and Nursing? Data was collected using a computer-based, online inventory. Students enrolled in an introductory course completed the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), developed by Hammer and Bennett (1998, 2001). The IDI was based on Bennett's Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (1986), which identified five orientations toward cultural differences: denial, polarization, minimization, acceptance, and adaptation. Investigators expect that the next step in study may show that students' ICC will grow during a semester long course when it is supplemented with cultural activities. The results of this study will provide institutions with information about the level of ICC of their students and how those levels can be improved so their students are better equipped to help others in the future.