Exploring the information-seeking behaviour of internationally educated nurses (IENs) in Saskatchewan
Date
2015
Authors
Kumaran, Mahalakshmi
Chipanshi, Mary
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association
ORCID
Type
Article
Degree Level
Abstract
Abstract: Introduction: To explore the information seeking behavior of Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) and to investigate their exposure to libraries and library training in both their home countries and after being hired in Saskatchewan. Methods: This two-phase multi-method project was carried out in Saskatchewan, Canada. A questionnaire was developed based on survey instruments used in previously conducted studies on the topic. Librarians in two academic institutions assisted with validation of the survey. In Phase 1, data were collected via an online questionnaire from IENs in three health regions: Saskatoon, Regina, and Sunrise. In Phase 2, the study was expanded to IENs in all the health regions in the province. The same questionnaire from Phase 1 was used during telephone interviews with participants. Results: A total of 17 IENs responded (Phase 1, n = 9, Phase 2, n = 8). Results show that IENs, although interested in looking for information for their practice, are hindered by a lack of knowledge of how and where to seek relevant clinical information as well as a lack of library training. As a result, their main source of information is the Internet (Google). Discusion: Despite barriers such as time to information seeking, results revealed that given the opportunity IENs would like to receive library training to enhance their information seeking skills.
Description
Keywords
Information-seeking behaviour, information needs, information literacy, evidence based nursing practice, evidence informed nursing, nurses, registered nurses, internationally educated registered nurses, IEN, IEN, foreign nurses, foreign-educated nurses,