Promoting Success of Ethnic Minority and Male Students in an Accelerated, Entry-Level Master of Nursing Program: The SUSTAIN Program

• Published in: The Journal of nursing education Vol. 54; no. 9; pp. S112 - S115
• Main Authors: Cowan, Patricia A, Weeks, Y'Esha, Wicks, Mona Newsome
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States SLACK INCORPORATED 01.09.2015
• Subjects: Achievement; Adult Basic Education; Adult Students; Doctoral Programs; Education, Nursing, Graduate; Educational Measurement; Ethnic Groups - education; Fellowships and Scholarships; Humans; Leadership; Male; Men - education; Minority & ethnic groups; Nursing; Nursing education; Nursing Education Research; Nursing schools; Nursing Students; Student retention; United States; Workplace diversity; United States; United States > US
• ISSN: 0148-4834; 1938-2421
• DOI: 10.3928/01484834-20150814-21

Background: Diverse health care workers are essential to meet the needs of a diverse U.S. population. Ethnic minorities and men are frequently underrepresented in the nursing profession and within schools of nursing. Although many nursing schools have implemented programs to improve retention and academic success of these students, the lack of success is, in part, a reflection of program ineffectiveness. Method: A nursing college developed the multifaceted SUSTAIN (A nursing college developed the multifaceted SUSTAIN ( S cholarships for U nderrepresented S tudents in an A ccelerated I nitial N ursing) program to promote ethnic minority and male students’ success in an accelerated entry-level master of nursing program. Students engaged in mentoring, academic support, and service-learning activities. Results: Participants (Participants ( N = 51) achieved 100% retention and graduation rates and a 92% first-time NCLEX-RN ® examination pass rate. Program students participated in professional organizations and held leadership roles within the college. Conclusion: Implementation of a program focused on student retention and success is recommended for diverse students enrolled in accelerated entry-level master of nursing programs. [Implementation of a program focused on student retention and success is recommended for diverse students enrolled in accelerated entry-level master of nursing programs. [ J Nurs Educ. 2015;54(9, Suppl.):S112–S115.]