An Evidence-Based Approach to Support Student Success in a BSN Program: WIN Project

AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS IN AN ABSN PROGRAM: WIN PROJECT

Background Statement: SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Nursing (CN) has implemented a three-prong approach to enrich the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program and assist in student retention using concepts from themes emerging from literature on barriers and obstacles to retention of diverse and economically disadvantaged background students. The overarching concept in Project W.I.N is an educational environment supporting the needs of all students regardless of cultural, ethnic, racial, gender or economic backgrounds with mentorship as a common thread that permeates the supporting concepts.  The CN tracked the overall impact of the project during the first five years of its implementation 2009 - 2013 and compared with the previous years (2004 – 2008) without the project.

Statement of Purpose:  The purpose of this project was to enhance student success evidenced by retention/graduation rate and NCLEX-RN pass rate for first time takers in an ABSN program.

Methods: The College of Nursing implemented the following approaches in Project W.I.N:

 W – A welcoming environment that supports and fosters self development.  The CN implemented the Pre-Entry Immersion Program (PIP) using the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing (RWJF/NCIN) PIP Toolkit to supplement the school orientation for all new incoming students one week prior to starting the ABSN program. The PIP is designed to assist new students adjust to the rigors of the accelerated program.  NCIN scholars participated in the PIP where they shared their perspectives and experiences with the new students. A scholar support group was formed led by a minority faculty. University-based support services such as educational counseling, test-taking and study skills were available to support students.

I – Individualized developmental academic advisement and support.  Each student was assigned a designated academic faculty advisor through the duration of the program to monitor student progression. Learning contracts were used as “work plans” for students who required remediation.  An NCLEX-RN Readiness Plan was integrated into the curriculum to prepare students for the licensing examination.  

N – Nurturing through mentoring.  The CN initiated a formalized mentoring program using the NCIN Mentoring Toolkit in collaboration with the CN Alumni Academy utilizing alumni as mentors.  The CN implemented the NCIN “Scholars as Mentors” to assist new students.  Nurses and preceptors in clinical training sites who come from diverse background served as mentors.

Results:  The overall impact of Project W.I.N is improved graduation rate and NCLEX-RN pass rate for first time takers Accelerated Bachelor of Science nursing students. The mean graduation rate from 2009 – 2013 was 98% compared with 87% from 2004 – 2008.  The mean NCLEX-RN pass rate for first time takers from 2009 – 2013 was 97% compared with 80% from 20004 – 2008. The CN continues to implement Project W.I.N and will be periodically evaluated as a major strategy for student success.