Exploring the communication experiences of international nurses who participated in a 13-week accent modification program

Abstract

Objective: This qualitative study explored the personal interactions of the nurses with patients, families, providers and other staff members after taking part in accent modification program.

Methods: Hermeneutic Interpretive Phenomenology influenced by philosopher Martin Heidegger provided the philosophical underpinnings to guide this exploration of the communication experiences of international nurses about four to eight months after completion of a 13-week accent modification program.

Results: The following six themes emerged from the data: I have the tool, I am self-assured, I speak with intention, I want to involve, My accent is part of who I am, and I am not an introvert.

Conclusions: The findings of this study suggested that an accent modification program improves communication skills of international nurses regardless of age, gender, country of origin, and length of stay in the U.S.  It is reassuring to employers who realize that there is a potentially effective intervention to improve and enhance linguistic competence of their current international nurses.