E1.03 - Oral: Preliminary Evaluation of a Program for Enhancing Success and Retention of Rural Underserved Nursing Students

Brief Abstract Summary: Learn about a program designed to enhance the success and retention of diverse rural underserved nursing students. Learn how post-pandemic challenges, such as burnout and economic shifts, are addressed through comprehensive academic and wellness resources. Gain insights into the program’s holistic wellness support strategies, including advocacy and advising, stress-management and wraparound resources implemented since January 2024. Understand the significance of improved nursing exam scores, and retention rates as a result of a nursing education support program. Recognize the importance of recruiting from local high schools to reflect the diversity of the community. See how the Pathways to Opportunity program aligns with the university’s mission to support the recruitment and retention of nurses who mirror the communities they serve, ultimately aiming to improve the health of underserved nursing students and healthcare outcomes in rural underserved areas.

Detailed abstract description: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nursing education programs, especially in rural areas. Students and programs have transitioned into a workforce grappling with post-pandemic burnout and high staff turnover, impacting rural low-income populations. In central Washington and the Yakima Valley, medically underserved areas face economic hardships and health disparities, that have strained healthcare professionals and students. Nursing students who completed prerequisites during the pandemic now face challenges in environments requiring extensive interaction, highlighting the need for comprehensive student support programs. The Pathways to Opportunity Program was implemented to support the training of healthcare professionals who reflect the communities they serve, addressing the critical need for diversity in the healthcare workforce. This presentation provides preliminary evaluation of a program designed to enhance the success, retention, and wellness of underserved nursing students in the Yakima Valley. Initiated in January, the program was assessed using data collected from January to September and includes components such as student recruitment, retention, and personalized wellness support. Recruitment strategies focused on local educational agencies and targeted nine high schools reflecting the demographic composition of central Washington, particularly Hispanic and Native American populations. Since January, the program has implemented holistic support strategies, including advocacy and advising using a case management model. This approach supports the development of nurses through place-based nursing education which differs from traditional nursing practices. By fostering a diverse and empathetic nursing workforce, the program aims to improve healthcare outcomes in underserved communities. Since its implementation, the nursing program has successfully enrolled over 95% of eligible students. Among program participants, 55% reported improvements in mental health, while 29% indicated a need for access to food or snacks, online educational resources, and tutoring services. Furthermore, the program has provided wellness and academic support to more than 75% of enrolled students, resulting in a high NCLEX passing rate of 90% for graduating students. Resources provided include tutoring, access to food, travel assistance, financial aid support, mental and physical health resources, and professional development opportunities. Program implementation has experienced rural-specific barriers, such as delays in hiring, knowledge and integration of local healthcare systems, and providing services amid busy schedules. In conclusion, this preliminary evaluation highlights the program’s efforts to support rural, diverse, underserved nursing students. The program’s success in enhancing academic performance and retention rates highlights its potential to impact and train the next generation of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and underserved areas.