Creating diversity in a baccalaureate nursing program: a case study.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Nursing Education
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Minority groups in the U.S. face significant disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
• Minority healthcare providers are crucial for serving under-served populations and addressing these disparities effectively.
• Culturally competent care is essential for mitigating healthcare inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase the recruitment and admission of racial and ethnic minority students into the nursing program at Hope College.
• To identify and address barriers hindering minority participation in nursing education.
• To enhance diversity within the nursing profession through targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a thorough review of existing literature to identify evidence-based interventions.
• Identified perceived barriers to minority student participation in the nursing program.
• Implemented selected interventions designed to overcome identified barriers.

Main Results:

• The project is currently ongoing, with initial phases demonstrating promising early success.
• Early indicators suggest a positive trend in the recruitment and admission of minority students.
• Data collection and evaluation are continuing to assess the full impact of implemented interventions.

Conclusions:

• Addressing barriers to minority participation is vital for increasing diversity in nursing.
• Targeted interventions can effectively enhance the recruitment and admission of under-represented students.
• Continued efforts are necessary to ensure equitable access to nursing education and improve healthcare outcomes for all populations.