LIVED EXPERIENCES OF UKRAINIAN NURSING STUDENTS IN THE US: A TRANSCENDENTAL PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological was to explore the lived experiences of Ukrainian prelicensure nursing students at a midwestern nursing program. The theory guiding this study was Albert Bandura’s social learning theory as it explains how people learn through observing, imitating, and modeling. The second theory guiding this study was Madeleine Leininger’s transcultural nursing theory as it identifies that nursing faculty must understand and have knowledge of different cultures to provide meaningful care and education to their students. This study obtained IRB approval before beginning recruitment of 10 Ukrainian nursing students from a private, faith-based university in the midwestern United States. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, photo-voice, and document analysis. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used to identify themes for the results with the assistance of Intellectus 360. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (a) Adapting to Life in America, (b) Challenges and Barriers, (c) Effects of War and Role of Faith, and (d) Emotional Resilience. Through the themes it was identified that the Ukrainian nursing students face unique experiences such as language and cultural adaptation and mental health concerns related to trauma. Through their experiences, this study identified implications such as mental health support, peer mentorship, and support for cultural and language adaptation. When the students have holistic care, it can create resilient Ukrainian nurses who support patients from all cultures.