The benefits for children's nurses of overseas placements : where is the evidence?

Overseas placements are presumed to provide students with experiences to enhance their cultural competence and to give them insights into other healthcare systems. However, the literature has not focused on what students of children's nursing might gain from an overseas placement. This paper is a report of a literature review (2003-2011) and our own student evaluation, both aimed at shedding new light on this important opportunity for learning for children's nurses. The literature review indicates that current research does not address the learning from overseas placements for children's nurses. Our student evaluation suggests children's nursing students are able to explore the position of children in the host culture and to place this in a healthcare context. Students also reported that they adhered to UK scope of student practice when delivering care to children on overseas placement. These placements provide a valuable learning experience for children's nurses. However, consideration in the shorter term is required to address issues of equity. Looking forward, further large scale studies are required to determine the long term effects of such experience on the health outcomes for children, and development of children's nurses and children's nursing globally.