Supporting enrolled nurse conversion--the impact of a compulsory bridging program

In Australia, unlike the UK, two levels of nursing registration have been retained. In developing a course for students to convert from level two to level one of the register, the need for bridging biological science was identified. The one-week course focused on learning strategies and familiarisation with resources in science and aimed to support students to make the transition to university level study. An evaluation of the program examined students' perception of confidence, changes in their learning skills, and the impact of the bridging program on ongoing performance in their degree. Using questionnaires, confidence levels in returning to study, confidence levels in the biological sciences, the initiation of study contacts and the overall impact of the bridging program on university transition were evaluated. Results indicated a 51% increase in overall return to study confidence levels and a 63% increase in confidence with the biological sciences. Students indicated that the bridging program assisted their coping by being exposed to a range of methods, styles and approaches and they had the opportunity to build study contacts. While our research has implications for conversion programs, there are wider implications for the transition of all mature age students to the university sector.