Orientation to higher education: the challenges and rewards

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Higher Education Pedagogy
• Professional Development

Background:

• Traditionally trained nurses require specific support to enter higher education.
• A new 'starter' course aims to facilitate professional and academic development for nurses.
• This course acts as a 'bridging' program for nurses entering university.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the background and aims of a new 'starter' course for nurses.
• To evaluate the learning outcomes of this bridging program.
• To understand nurses' perceptions of course outcomes and their impact on future studies and practice.

Main Methods:

• Formal evaluation procedure to identify course learning outcomes.
• Categorization of outcomes into product and process components.
• Analysis of participant and teacher perceptions of outcome importance.

Main Results:

• Learning outcomes were divided into product and process categories.
• Nurses valued process outcomes (e.g., enhanced clinical decision-making) more than product outcomes.
• Teachers initially expected product outcomes to be rated higher.

Conclusions:

• Bridging programs are essential for nurses transitioning into higher education.
• Process-oriented learning outcomes empower nurses for academic and clinical roles.
• The course successfully supports nurses in their academic and professional development pathway.