A Success Academy for Increasing Tribal College Transfer Student Success in Nursing Degree Completion: A...

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Nursing Education
• Indigenous Health

Background:

• A diverse health-care workforce is essential for positive patient outcomes.
• The Caring for Our Own Program (CO-OP) targets Indigenous nursing student enrollment and retention.
• Low retention (35.9%) of Tribal college transfer students hinders Indigenous community health workforce development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Success Academy on Indigenous nursing student retention and success.
• To address barriers faced by Tribal college transfer students in nursing programs.

Main Methods:

• Pilot of the Success Academy, a four-week pre-entry immersion program for Tribal college transfer students.
• Holistic hybrid format focusing on sense of place, financial security, academic readiness, and social connection.

Main Results:

• Thirty students participated in the Success Academy.
• Twenty students progressed without academic delays; seven graduated on time and are pursuing licensure.
• Of the remaining participants, five faced one-semester delays, one faced a two-semester delay, and four withdrew.

Conclusions:

• The Success Academy demonstrated a significant positive impact on college access and success for Indigenous nursing candidates.
• The program is crucial for improving Indigenous health outcomes in the Western U.S. by supporting nursing workforce development.