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

Date

2013-05

Authors

Belay, Hanna A.

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Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study using Heideggerian phenomenology was to explore the communication experiences of international nurses' who participated in a 13-week accent modification program. Fourteen international nurses participated in a semi-structured, in-depth and audio-recorded interview. Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method was used to uncover six themes: 1) I am equipped: Equipped to overcome my accent related unintelligibility, 2) I am confident: Confident that I can be understood, 3) I talk with purpose: Purpose of getting my message across, 4) I want to be engaged: Engaged by embracing professional opportunities which come my way, 5) My accent is part of me: Part of me where establishing a new habit is a deliberate journey 6) I am not antisocial: I am simply trying to avoid miscommunications and misunderstandings. All of the participants felt that the program provided them with answers for their WHYs and HOWs related to their pronunciation challenges. Many of them felt the program boosted their confidence and self-esteem. Over all, findings suggest that accent modification programs may improve international nurses' speech clarity. It is important that service agencies consider incorporating an accent modification program into a comprehensive education program to help international nurses overcome their communication challenges.

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Keywords

Communication and the arts, Health and environmental sciences, Accent modification, International nurses

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