Alumni Perspectives on Cultural Competence After a Rural Farms Immersion Experience.

Abstract

Background: The Rural Farms program is a domestic intercultural immersion in a senior-level community health and leadership nursing clinical course. Students provide on-site health and safety education, health screenings, and immunizations to Latino/a/e workers on rural dairy farms. This study explored the effects of the experience on perceived cultural competence and its translation to nursing practice after graduation.

Method: Qualitative data were collected via survey from alumni who completed the Rural Farms program between 2011 and 2018. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Three themes depicting dimensions of cultural competence were identified: (1) awareness; (2) attitudes; and (3) behaviors. Responses implied a progressive nature to these themes that was initiated through the experiences of the clinical experience and sustained in nursing practice following graduation.

Conclusion: Domestic intercultural immersion may enhance cultural competence while simultaneously expanding clinical opportunities, meeting community health needs and preparing future nurses to advance health equity. [J Nurs Educ. 2025;64(X):XXX-XXX.].