Strategies In Nursing Education for Total Outcomes Diversity in nursing education has become a critical issue in shaping the future of healthcare. As the demand for a diverse nursing workforce increases, educators and institutions must adopt innovative strategies to foster the success of diverse students. This article explores key strategies to support diverse nursing students, including role models and mentorship, support systems, inclusivity challenges, and teaching methodologies that promote academic success.
Strategies to Increase the Success of Diverse Students
Many nursing programs have introduced academic success initiatives that focus on learning, retention, and progression of students from diverse backgrounds. Reports from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and the National League for Nursing emphasize the need to improve the success rates of diverse students in nursing programs (AACN, 2014; IOM, 2011).
Diverse students often experience challenges in transitioning to postsecondary nursing education, largely due to varying levels of secondary school preparation (Condon et al., 2013; Dapremont, 2014). To address these disparities, nursing leaders and educators need to create targeted programs that go beyond recruitment to ensure that these students thrive academically.
Role Models and Mentors in Nursing Education
While recruitment efforts for diverse students are ongoing, equal attention must be given to ensuring their academic success. A significant challenge in many nursing programs is the reliance on standardized tests and GPA requirements, which often overlook the unique educational experiences of minority students. This approach leads to the exclusion of many socially or economically disadvantaged applicants, reinforcing the label of “high-risk” for those few who are admitted (Baker, 2010; Coddington & Karsten, 2014).
One solution is to engage practicing minority nurses as role models and mentors. Pairing nursing students with mentors in clinical or community settings can build confidence and provide guidance (Payton, Howe, Timmons, & Richardson, 2013). Faculty commitment to student success is crucial, and faculty mentoring has been shown to be the most important strategy for student retention (Baker, 2010). This relationship fosters student success through timely feedback, tutoring, and faculty availability.
Nursing programs must also assess and develop cultural competence among faculty members. The cultural competence model developed by Campinha Bacote (2012) encourages a mentoring process that integrates cultural awareness. This model, using the Awareness, Skill, Knowledge, Encounters, and Cultural Desire (ASKED) framework, can enhance mentoring programs and help retain diverse students. Faculty members should advocate for policies and institutional support services that foster a diverse learning environment.
Support Systems for Students in Nursing Education
Support systems play a pivotal role in the academic success of culturally diverse nursing students. Special programs designed to address the needs of these students have been successful in many institutions. For instance, California State University developed the Minority Retention Project (MRP) based on Tinto’s Theory of Student Retention. This theory posits that students who feel connected and committed to their institution are more likely to succeed academically (Gardner, 2005). The MRP created a nurturing environment that improved retention rates among minority students.
Language support programs are also critical, particularly for students for whom English is an additional language (EAL). Institutions like historically Black universities have implemented programs to support language proficiency, social engagement, and academic success. These initiatives have led to higher retention rates and improved performance on standardized exams such as the NCLEX (Brown & Marshall, 2008; Torregosa et al., 2015).
Meeting the Challenge of Inclusivity in Nursing Education
Inclusivity in nursing education requires an honest assessment of institutional and individual teaching practices. Faculty must recognize their own biases and the potential for stereotyping students based on their backgrounds. Creating an inclusive classroom environment goes beyond understanding students’ social identities; it involves developing strategies that engage all learners.
Inclusive classrooms encourage students to express their views openly, and course content is examined from multiple perspectives. Faculty members must ensure that the lived experiences of all students are valued equally, fostering a collaborative and respectful learning environment (Saunders & Kardia, 2014). An inclusive approach helps minority students feel more connected to their peers and the institution, enhancing their academic success.
Teaching Strategies to Promote Success in Nursing Education
Transforming nursing education for the 21st century requires innovation in teaching strategies. Traditional teaching methods, such as using slides for presentations, must be replaced with more interactive and engaging techniques. Innovative strategies such as simulations, gaming, problem-based learning, and reflective practices have been shown to meet the diverse learning needs of students (Crookes, Crookes, & Walsh, 2013).
Nurse educators must reexamine both recruitment practices and the learning environments they provide for minority students. While recruitment efforts have brought more diverse students into nursing programs, there is a growing concern about the lower graduation rates among these students compared to their white peers. This gap highlights the need for nurse educators to develop teaching methods that support minority students throughout their educational journey.
Recruiting diverse faculty members is essential, as they serve as role models and mentors to students. Their presence in academic and clinical settings can inspire confidence in diverse students, who may otherwise feel isolated in predominantly white educational institutions. Faculty development programs that focus on cultural competence and mentoring can further support diverse students.
Conclusion
Increasing diversity in nursing education is crucial for meeting the needs of a diverse patient population. However, recruitment alone is not enough. Nursing educators must implement strategies that support the retention and success of diverse students, including mentorship, support systems, and inclusive teaching practices. By creating an environment where all students feel valued and supported, nursing programs can help shape a more inclusive and effective healthcare workforce.
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