Objective: “The Caring Place” Pilot Project was developed to retain at-risk students.

Design: Modeling and Role-Modeling nursing theory was synthesized with case management strategies to develop The Caring Place Student Retention Model.

Population: Eighteen (18) first semester BSN students, with four or more at-risk academic indicators (e.g., GPA < 2.5, reading < 75%), were invited to participate. Twelve (12) students accepted.

Concepts: Case management strategies were combined with role-modeling techniques to address students’ learning needs and retain them in the program.

Methods: The case management approach provided students with individualized advising initiated by faculty who served as Care (Case) Managers. Students took an active role in the learning process, and developed personal learning goals. Care Managers matched students’ holistic needs and goals with specific resources to facilitate students’ success. Also, academic or personal issues could be discussed with graduate teaching assistants in The Caring Place, which provided a safe, trusting environment.

Findings: Students met with their care managers approximately 3 times during the semester. The majority of students’ needs and referrals related to learning pathophysiology, study skills, test anxiety, and test taking skills. Of the 12 at-risk students who accepted, six (55%) passed and one withdrew.

Conclusions: For this project, the majority of at-risk students who actively participated passed the first semester of the nursing program.

Implications: Further testing of The Caring Place Student Retention Model is warranted, with the inclusion of additional strategies to engage students’ active participation. Community partnerships to fund retention initiatives will be addressed.

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