Bridges and barriers: educational mobility of Hispanic nurses

The lack of data on the educational mobility of the Hispanic nurse presents major barriers in designing effective strategies to diversify the nursing work force. However, such data are necessary to ensure parity of representation of Hispanics in nursing. The purpose of this project was to identify barriers and bridges to educational mobility experienced by Hispanic nurses. Focus groups were conducted in six sites throughout the country. Separate groups were conducted with Hispanic ADN nurses who had completed their BSN and with BSN nurses who had completed their MSN. Barriers encountered and identified by participants included financial burdens, institutional barriers, perceived discrimination by faculty and peers, and cultural values such as the importance of the family and prescribed gender roles. Conversely, bridges to completing degree requirements included family, peers, and faculty. Recommendations to facilitate educational mobility of Hispanic nurses are provided.