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

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Higher Education Pedagogy
• Biological Sciences

Background:

• Australia retains two levels of nursing registration, necessitating conversion pathways.
• A specific need for bridging biological science education was identified for level two to level one nursing registration conversion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a one-week bridging program designed for nursing students converting registration levels.
• To assess the program's impact on students' confidence, learning skills, and academic performance.
• To explore the program's role in facilitating the transition to university-level study.

Main Methods:

• A one-week intensive course focusing on learning strategies and science resource familiarization.
• Student evaluation using questionnaires to measure confidence in returning to study and biological sciences.
• Assessment of study contact initiation and overall impact on university transition.

Main Results:

• A 51% increase in overall confidence levels for returning to study was observed.
• A 63% increase in confidence with biological sciences was reported by students.
• Students reported the program aided coping through exposure to diverse learning methods and facilitated building study contacts.

Conclusions:

• The bridging program effectively enhanced nursing students' confidence and preparedness for university study.
• Findings have implications for nursing conversion programs and the broader transition of mature-age students to higher education.
• Exposure to varied learning strategies and peer networking are key components for successful academic transition.