The Joys and Challenges of Advising Prenursing Students Susanne Miller, Senior Academic Advisor Dr. Cheryl Bosley, Associate Professor Amy Novak, Nursing Student Youngstown State University

MANY HATS, MANY ROLES

Coach Magician Fortune Teller Jester Cop/ “Law” enforcement Pilgrim Santa “Gift Giver” Explorer Teacher

Exchange of Ideas What I’ve Learned from Advising Prenursing Students What You’ve Learned from Advising Prenursing Students What we can learn from each other to ensure student success.

Student Success and the Prenursing Student How do we define student success? N-CLEX? Graduation? Admission into nursing program? Biggest issue at YSU is open admission policy. Begin at the beginning: Prenursing Orientation

Prenursing Orientation During SOAR (Student Orientation, Advisement & Registration) minute program prior to advisement Materials include: ◦ Curriculum sheet and admission policy ◦ Academic planner, GER sheet, Advisor checklist (contract), worksheet, student learning outcome guide, advisor business card.

Prenursing Workshop Held in October, during first week of application availability. Designed for students who will be applying to BSN program for following fall. Welcome from faculty, overview of application process and timelines. Where to go for help from advisor Student panel Usually over 100 prenursing students attend

Ensuring Student Success Advising appointments Open Door Policy Work with CSP and other campus referrals One-on-one advising All advisors see prenursing students (due to large numbers) Student help (Amy Novak)

Avoid Drama, Anticipate the “What-Ifs?” Challenge/support prenursing students Other nursing options Other major options Other allied health options “Helping profession” options “All I’ve ever, EVER wanted to be was a nurse!...”

The Most Difficult Appointments… Students who applied, but were not admitted into the program; Students who applied, but were not admitted into the program who bring their parents to their advising appointment…. Students in denial.

The Importance of Academic Advising from the Perspective of a Nursing Faculty Member Dr. Cheryl L. Bosley Associate Professor Department of Nursing

NURSING FACULTY ADVISING TRANSITIONS – TRANSITIONS – TRANSITIONS: TRANSFORMATION RULES – RULES – RULES: EXPECTATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES [ATTITUDE, APPEARANCE, ATTENDANCE, ACADEMICS] STRESS – STRESS – STRESS: AND MORE STRESS

WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW Mental/emotional and physical challenges – not only academic. Start the program prepared holistically – relationships, finances, health, coping skills as well as academically. How to study in new ways – critical thinking. Math really IS important!

STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW - 2 Connect with faculty and advisor - early and consistently. Ask questions/seek resources – about advising, syllabus, instructions for assignments, etc. Get engaged – class officer, student nurse association, office or lab assistant, faculty research assistant, university student organizations.

STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW - 3 There are future consequences to current behaviors: ◦ That a criminal record can follow you for life and come back to bite you. ◦ If you fail out of a nursing program, it could hinder your chances of getting accepted into another program. ◦ That potential employers most often ask us about your attitude and attendance rather than academics.

STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW - 4 The KEY to SUCCESS: ◦ KNOW the Expectations (Explicit and Implicit)  What faculty value/expect and consequences ◦ STRIVE to meet the Expectations ◦ DON’T CHALLENGE The Expectations unless you know  WHY it is important to you  WHAT the proper procedure is  WHEN and WHERE it is appropriate  HOW might any consequences affect me  The RISK:BENEFIT ratio

PROFESSIONAL AND FACULTY ADVISOR ROLES Recruiting – Being Realistic but not Frightening Teaching and Mentoring Advising and Advocating Coaching and Counseling STUDENT OUTCOME: Success on NCLEX –RN licensure exam

The Importance of Academic Advising from the Perspective of a Nursing Student Amy Novak, Junior