Challenges and Motivators Influencing the Academic Performance of English as an Additional Language (EAL) Nursing Students: The Perspectives of the Students

Abstract

Canada's rising immigrant population has led to an increasing number of nursing students for whom English is an "additional language" (EAL). Although many of these students are successful academically, there is a persistent small number who struggle due to their limited English-language skills and their different cultural knowledge and practices. Despite the difficulties they experience, the students' desire to enter the nursing profession remains strong. A qualitative study was undertaken to identify factors that influence these students' academic performance from the perspectives of the students themselves and their instructors. Fourteen EAL nursing students were interviewed. Analysis of the interview data revealed factors that influenced the students' experiences in their nursing programs. The authors describe the students' perspectives on the challenges and motivators they encountered in their nursing programs. They also recommend strategies that could help EAL students to achieve success in their nursing studies.