Abstract:

Introduction:
The increase of multiculturalism causes changes to peoples' health needs. From the nursing perspective it is very important to assess the challenges of increased mobility and immigration on the development of nursing and nursing education. One of the professional requirements for graduating nurses is the development of cultural skills. This target is pursued to be achieved by offering students an opportunity to undertake studies abroad.

The purpose of the study:
The main purpose of this paper was to explore the meaning of international student exchange for Finnish nurses and public health nurses.

The aim was also to describe the meaning of international student exchange on the development of professional identity and cultural knowledge as self-assessed.

Methods:
Qualitative approach was used in this study. The data were collected through interviews. Six Finnish nurses and two public health nurses attended the study. Participants had been international exchange between 6 and 10 years ago. Exchange place was in Africa, Nepal and Europe.
The data were analysed using the content analysis technique

Results:
International exchange affected personal growth. The widening of world view, personal development, and the experience of being different relative to the others were related to the personal growth. International exchange improved also professional growth.
The strengthening of confidence in work, becoming familiar with different treatment practices and working environments as well as the recognition of the position of nurses in treatment culture and society as a whole were related to the professional growth.
Functional work community as a resource of nurses was considered as a meaningful factor.
International exchange had a significant effect on nursing based on cultural needs. Family oriented way of working, the recognition of the multidimensional aspects of health and illness, and cultural sensitiveness were related to this kind of cultural nursing.

The recognition of challenges caused by differences in health and welfare was considered important.

Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that international experience improves the personal resources needed in nursing as well as the knowledge, practical skills and attitudes related to nursing based on cultural needs.

The results can be used in the planning and implementation of international exchange practices in nursing education.

Keywords:

International exchange, nurse, public health nurse, nursing education.