Paper: Impact on Nursing Education: Prescription for Academic Success (20th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice)

Thursday, 16 July 2009: 10:50 AM

Leisa Easom, PhD, RN
School of Nursing, Georgia Southwestern State University, Americus, GA

Learning Objective 1: identify strategies that focus on academic success with students from diverse global backgrounds

Learning Objective 2: discuss the global need for a more culturally diverse nursing workforce

Purpose: Retaining students in a nursing educational program is critical. Student loss in nursing programs may exceed 35%, especially with minority populations. The purpose was to establish a program of academic success for students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in order to eliminate health barriers, improve health-care quality, and further cultural diversity in the nursing workforce.

Methods: A population and a cohort analysis were conducted to determine need. All nursing majors were sent the announcement of the program and invited to apply. A sample of 31 students were selected to participate based on economic and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. . Descriptive statistics demonstrate student success.

Results: Implementation of this program has resulted in an increase in retention of students and student satisfaction.

Conclusion: Support and mentoring of students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds is essential for academic success in nursing schools. Studies have shown that members of minority groups are more likely to seek services from and follow the health care advice of minority providers. More nurses from culturally diverse backgrounds are essential to meet the health care needs of a diverse nation.

See more of: Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies
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