Minority international research training program: global collaboration in nursing research

Abstract

In the current century, nurses, along with other health professionals, require preparation for their roles in international health. For faculty and students to practice and learn in this global community, they also will want to have added knowledge of economics, business, and public policy. To gain an immersion experience in global health, nursing faculty and students will need to spend time abroad collaborating with nursing colleagues in other countries. This report describes an academic-research training program (Minority International Research Program [MIRT]) established 7 years ago to enhance the international health experience of minority nursing students. Qualified undergraduate and graduate nursing students are recruited and paired with faculty mentors to conduct short-term research abroad for a period of 10 to 14 weeks. The purpose of international research experiences for minority nursing students is to develop leaders in nursing science and to increase collaboration in the resolution of global health issues. To date, 26 undergraduate students, 22 graduate students, 6 postdoctoral trainees, and 11 faculty mentors have participated and completed the program through research immersion experiences in 9 countries. The program is described in terms of its strengths, challenges, and lessons learned, as well as opportunities for future activities.