Experiences of African American Baccalaureate Nursing Graduates: Entrance, Culture, and Retention in Nursing School
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Abstract
The experiences of African American Baccalaureate Nursing Graduates is becoming a phenomenon of interest among university and college administrators, faculty, and staff. Currently there are 2.4 million registered nurses (RN’s) in the United States (U.S.); 10.7% (311,177) self-identify themselves as minority. Specifically, 4.2% of this minority population self-describe their race as Black or African American. At present, only 18% of students enrolled in nursing school are from minority backgrounds. This enrollment is somewhat static, and is not reflective of the growth of minority populations. The lack of diversity in nursing deserves the immediate collaboration of all students, professors, researchers, institutions, and practitioners. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the perception of African American baccalaureate nursing graduates with respect to their educational experience. During the years 2008-2011, thirty-one African American alumni of a Midwestern nursing program were contacted to participate in this study, with six students ultimately participating in interviews. Each student was sent an e-mail from the alumni office with a cover letter (see Appendix D) explaining the scope and purpose of the study and requesting their participation. A SurveyMonkeyᵀᴹ link was attached in the letter for completion of the survey documents, which implied their consent to participate. Three research questions guided this study: 1. How do African American baccalaureate nursing graduates describe their nursing school experience? a) What does each graduate identify as personal supports and barriers? b) What does each graduate perceive to be institutional supports and barriers? 2. What do graduates perceive as factors that influenced their admission into the baccalaureate nursing program? a) What strategies does each graduate suggest should be considered for admission? 3. What do graduates perceive as factors that influenced their retention in the baccalaureate nursing program? Results from this study identify themes and factors that affect African American student admission and retention, along with strategies to improve matriculation and retention in nursing programs. Three themes developed through repetitious conversation. The findings of isolation, support, and personal strength and determination were most commonly expressed by the participants.
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Introduction -- Review of literature -- Methodology -- results -- Discussion -- Appendix A. Descriptive statistics / MidWestern University School of Nursing Program - Appendix B. Bachelor of Science in Nursing survey -- Appendix C. Alumni demographic data -- Appendix D. Cover letter -- Appendix E. Consent to participate form
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Ed.D.