Objectives:Primary outcome is the success of these first-year students
in completion of nursing program within 3 years of start.
Goals to assist in achieving the long-term outcome:
- Increase retention of first-year RLC pre-nursing students (PNS) by year
1.
- Maintain high academic achievement among
first-year RLC PNS by year 2.
- Increase engagement of first-year RLC PNS
by year 2.
- Increase diversity of nursing major by 5%
by year 3.
Outcomes:The RLC has been successful at retention,
engagement, and academic achievement. The first group will begin the nursing
program this Fall 2011.
- Retention the rate (first
to second year) is 96%.
- Average
GPA of first-year PNS is 3.24.
·
Academic
adjustment: RLC members are more likely to keep current with their academic
work in comparison to non-RLC members (RLC 91.7%; non-RLC 78%).
RLC
members have donated over 400 hours in healthcare related activities.
·
Overall experience
at the institution: RLC members are more likely to rate their experience as
excellent and exceptional in comparison to non-RLC members (RLC 91.7%; non-RLC 62%).
·
Diversity (male/minority students) within the
RLC has increased slightly from year 1 to year 2 for a total of 4%.
Challenges/Problems Encountered:
Students who are interested in the RLC apply and participate
in an interview process. One of the challenges faced was advertising and marketing
the program, which resulted in low application numbers. It took time to
establish a known presence, and applications have doubled since initiation. Plans
are to develop visual media to assist with recruitment efforts. Another
challenge was increasing the diversity of the RLC. Information has been shared
through our GLIMPSE program which focuses on minority recruitment. More
attention will be given to recruit from high schools with a diverse study body.
Additional Resources:Residential Learning Communities (general) http://www.gcsu.edu/rlc/
Nursing Residential Learning Community http://www.gcsu.edu/rlc/nursingoverview.htm