Support for Underrepresented Students in Nursing Education at a Predominantly White Institution With “UR-Star” Implementation

Purpose: The college of nursing at a Northern Alabama predominately white institution (PWI) began an initiative to address needs of under-represented minority (URM) students. A university wide diversity, equity and inclusion campaign was previously implemented. However, the college of nursing recognized the need to develop a nursing specific program to target retention of URM students. A review of literature highlights changing nationwide demographics in which a culturally diverse nursing work force is necessary to address health disparities.

Methods: The College of Nursing Diversity committee was formed and tasked to identify, assist and support at-risk URM students enrolled in the nursing program. The committee consisted of 5 diverse full-time faculty volunteers to include 2 African-American females, 1 Caucasian male, 1 Caucasian female and 1 Asian female.

In August 2018 the “Under-Represented Student Strategies, Training, and Resources” (UR-Star) program developed with the following objectives: Establish faculty support and mentoring systems, help students identify and utilize resources available at the college of nursing, decrease under-represented minority student attrition rates and provide an environment for peer-to-peer learning, networking and collaboration. All students at the college of nursing were invited to participate.

Results: Monthly seminars were held for students to accomplish UR-Star objectives. Mentoring services were provided as needed and by student request. The initial meeting consisted of 30 student participants. The participants represented diverse cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds to include African Americans, Caucasians, Latinos, and Indians; males and females. A post-program qualitative survey suggests the continued need for programs like UR-Star.

Conclusion: The National League for Nursing (NLN) released a vision for achieving diversity and meaningful inclusion in nursing education in May 2016. The NLN vision outlines the need for faculty to actively recruit and retain students from diverse backgrounds. The American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) also recognizes the need for a culturally diverse nursing workforce to provide culturally competent patient care. UR-Star creates a community of support and provides a sense of belonging for students. Implications for nursing align with NLN and AACN findings that nursing education must provide ways and means to foster diversity. Introducing programs such as UR-Star address the URM progression and retention in nursing education. Sustainability of programs like UR-Star are necessary to aid successful URM Bachelors’ prepared nurses.