The Effect of English courses on the graduates performance in Nursing Colleges.

Abstract

In Saudi Arabia Secondary school graduates have been taught English for only six years starting from intermediate school .Those who join medical sciences colleges usually cover the basic skills of English language in the four years. So their proficiency in English is far below the desired standards. Thats to say that students may find some difficulties in using English language.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of English courses on the graduates of nursing colleges in Saudi Arabia especially in Dr.Soliman Fakeeh College of nursing and medical sciences nursing department. The investigation focused on the students performance in English language skills and using the language in training sessions in the hospital.Its a descriptive study to show how much English courses enhance the students level of English. In addition, its to show how much students use English in their training in the hospital. A questionnaire and interview were constructed in this research. A questionnaire was distributed to 140 students in DSFC. The sample population was from the 4 year students who studied all English courses. The questionnaire consisted of 20 items. Frequency and percentage were calculated using the SPSS statistical package. On the other hand, an interview was conducted with 20 nurse managers, clinical instructors or lecturers who train students inside the hospital. The interview guide consisted of 10 items. All interviews have been recorded by a recorder. The findings of the study indicated that the English language courses in DSFC are not adequate enough to prepare nurse student to work in English medium. They dont enhance all their skills of English. Courses dont contain any materials to develop listening, speaking and conversational skills. These courses are not appropriate to their English level. Courses focus only on grammar and reading skills which are not enough to prepare students to communicate in the hospital or in the college while communication is a crucial item in nurse life and work