BRING DIVERSITY TO NURSING The University of Massachusetts Lowell, Department of Nursing Karen Deveraux Melillo, Jacqueline Dowling, Lisa Abdallah, Mary Findeisen, Margaret Knight In partnership with the Lawrence and Lowell Massachusetts School Systems LOGO LOGO MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS BACKGROUND Diversity in the Health Care Work Force: A Priority Clear link between lack of diversity in the work force and health disparities (Huston, 2008) Diverse nurses are in great demand especially in urban areas Successful initiatives are needed to prepare for the future. Diversity in the Massachusetts Nursing Work Force Nurse Graduates 2004 all programs: 3.8% Hispanic background, 0.8% obtained BSN 6.3 % Asian background, 5% obtained BSN (MACN, 2005). Diversity in the Merrimac Valley Lawrence: 60% Hispanic, 7% statewide Lowell: 16 % Asian, 4% statewide (Massachusetts Census, 2000) Assessment On line Assessment of Perception of Nursing as a Career Lawrence & Lowell Middle School and High School students 2008 Pre-entry Initiatives Pre-school and primary school Guest reader programs: Lawrence & Lowell schools UML nursing students. Minden C, Armantrout LM (2006). Nurses. The Childs World: MN. Middle school After school workshops fall and spring* Hands-on activities that introduce students to nursing as a career choice Workshops are developed around a health problem Activities include body mapping, heart health, exercise, nutrition and basic medication math High school After school workshops fall & spring* Activities enhance academic ability and increase competitiveness for entry into UML nursing. Curriculum builds in a strong science and math components Content delivered through a body system approach Demonstrate basic problem solving and specific skill sets *Summer programs are also provided in conjunction with college preparatory programs offered through Umass Lowell’s School of Education and through the Center for Family, Work and Community. Recruitment Initiatives Junior & Senior HS Students Assistance with resources and preparation for the Scholastic Achievement Test BDN Minority Nurse Recruiters meet with students to discuss entry requirements Assistance with the application process. Retention Initiatives (4 years) UML Nursing Program The BDN Diversity Nurse meets with students regularly Tutoring, in class assistance, study groups University cultural groups and clubs Stipends and scholarships Technology Assistance BDN students are mentored by diverse nurses in the community Preparation for State Board Exam. Evaluation Middle & High School Increased interest in Nursing as a career Increased application from Lawrence & Lowell HS students to UML nursing program Increased acceptance into the UML nursing program Nursing Program Progression of BDN students through the curriculum State Board Exam success Assessment 1298 Nursing as a career Assessments completed (464 HS, 833 MS) 665 girls, 633 boys 185 (14%) interested in nursing, 398 (30%) may consider nursing Program Evaluations 118 students attended workshops; 40 HS & 78 MS students 92% HS & 89% MS students report learning new information on nursing 32% HS & 47% MS students reported consideration of nursing as a career BDN Students Currently Enrolled at UML 14 BDN Students; 2 men, 12 women 1 African American, 4 African, 3 Hispanic, 6 Asian, CHART or PICTURE CHART or PICTURE PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS Bring Diversity to Nursing (BDN) is a novel program developed by faculty at the University of Massachusetts Lowell to inform, recruit, retain and graduate minority and disadvantaged students from the UML Nursing Program. UML is located in the Merrimack Valley. Lowell and Lawrence are the two largest cities in the Merrimac Valley. The UML Nursing Program has a long tradition of graduating nursing students who seek employment in the greater Lowell and Lawrence areas. These cities are the focus of BDN. BDN aims to increase the diversity of the workforce in the via a multi- pronged approach to inform, educate, recruit, retain and graduate diverse nurses who are successful at passing the state board examination. CONCLUSIONS Workshops BDN workshops increased interest in pursuing nursing as a career at both the HS & MS level Knowledge delivery through a hands on approach is effective in providing new information about nursing as a career Health systems approach in workshops allows MS & HS students to observe/follow the nursing process in care/treatment of a person with a health problem. Retention Students report decreasing work hours as a result of the BDN program Availability of technology resources improves ability to compete academically Diversity Nurse/BDN student communication fosters early problem identification Future Track applicants from Lawrence & Lowell school systems who choose UML program, other BSN programs and ADN programs Evaluation of interest in nursing as a career for minority men CHART or PICTURE BIBLIOGRAPHY Huston, C. (2008). Letter from the president. Create the Future, 5(11), 1. MACN (2005). Ensuring an educated nursing workforce for the Commonwealth. Canton, MA Author. Massachusetts Department of Public Health (2000) Census report. Retrieved 11/06/08: http://masschip.state.ms.us/InstantTopics/ BDN is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Workforce Development Grant and the Division of Nursing (DN) Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr) Health Resource and Service Administration (HRSA) Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).