Design: A comprehensive review of an education program for Saudi men who hold a degree in science or a related field to become baccalaureate (BSN) prepared nurses, and a descriptive research study to identify predictors of success of the programs.

Population, Sample, Setting, Years: A population of Saudi Arabian citizens and a sample (n=28) comprised over a ten year period of Saudi men with baccalaureate degrees in Science or a related field, who met the criteria for admissions to the program.

Concept or Variables: The concept of success as measured by program completion, the degree of success as demonstrated by GPA, successful completion of NCLEX and pursuit of higher education. Other concepts include GPA on admission, educational background and experience, and command of the English language.

Methods: A descriptive methodology reporting finding to date.

Findings: Preliminary findings include a higher rate of program completion than anticipated. Students who had some health care related job experience, scientific backgrounds, and higher GPA were more successful. Three students successfully completed the MSN, and one the PhD, with one additional student in the dissertation phase.

Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate that health care related experience, GPA, and degree in science were predictors of success.

Implications: A new community of scholars can be built which will upgrade and ultimately increase the supply of qualified nurses within a country’s own borders, enhancing nursing education, research and practice.

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Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004