Experiences of African American Baccalaureate Nursing Graduates: Entrance, Culture, and Retention in Nursing School

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education (UMKC)

Grantor

University of Missouri--Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Manney, Ronalda

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Butner, Bonita K., 1950-

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10355/48974

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/48974