Developing as a person: How international educational programs transform nurses and midwives

Objective : To determine impact of undertaking an international educational program during a nurse's or midwife's pre -registration program on subsequent practice, focusing on how nurses and midwives were transformed personally through participation in such programs. Background : Participation in international educational programs has been reported to enhance nursing and midwifery students' personal and professional development, however long-term impacts remain unclear. This paper presents findings drawn from a larger grounded theory study. Study design and Methods : Charmaz's grounded theory methodology was used to elicit experiences from 13 general nurses, two mental health nurses, three midwives and four dual qualified nurse/ midwives across eight different countries. Data analysis led to the creation of three categories, with this paper reporting on the category of Developing as a Person. Findings : Participation in international educational programs can be transformative for nurses and midwives with long-lasting impacts, contributing positively to their personal growth and development. Discussion: The study findings underscore significant long-term impacts of international educational programs for nurses and midwives. These outcomes highlight the importance of incorporating international experiences into healthcare education. Conclusion : By providing opportunities for healthcare professionals to engage with diverse settings and populations, organisations and educational institutions can foster the development of wellrounded and globally competent practitioners.