Creating a Path: American Indian/Alaska Native High School Students Pursuing College and a Career in Nursing

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative descriptive pre- and post-survey study was to analyze four years of data documenting differences in pre- and post-test responses by American Indian/Alaska Native high school students attending a weeklong residency program. The program was designed to provide information and role models to motivate students to go to college and pursue a career in nursing. The survey measured student perceptions of college and nursing. In addition, the analysis included comparisons of responses between students who lived on reservations and those who did not. Results demonstrated that students changed their views of nursing as a profession, how they would be perceived by their tribe, and the financial security they could gain. Students living on their reservations were concerned that college might be too far from home. Recommendations include the need to provide indigenous students with role models and accurate information as well as mentors to support them.

Measuring the Success of a Pipeline Program to Increase Nursing Workforce Diversity

“…The survey, piloted in 2004, was modified based on a qualitative study in 2006 (Katz & ONeal, 2010; Katz, 2007; Katz, Smart & Paul, 2010). The wording of the questions were reviewed by two American Indian consultants, one a nurse and the other the Director of a program to recruit American Indian students in to the health sciences.…”

“…To better understand both the changes in knowledge and opinions of high school students after attending a 2-week summer pipeline program, this study build on previous work using the same tool (Benavides-Vaello, Katz, Peterson, Paul & Allen, et al 2014; Katz, 2007; Katz, 2005; Katz & ONeal, 2011; Katz, Smart & Paul, 2010). Therefore, our research aims were to 1) psychometrically analyze the survey to determine if the items on the scale can be summed to create a total scale score or subscale scores; 2) assess the change in scores from before and after the program (pre- to post-test) and 3) examine the survey to make suggestions for modifications and further testing to develop a valid tool to measure changes in student perceptions about going to college and nursing as a result of pipeline programs.…”

“…For instance, in the health sciences the goal of pipeline programs is to increase college graduation and career attainment in professional or research degrees of minority and underserved or underrepresented students. Pipeline strategies often address awareness and knowledge of professions and science, as well as income through financial aid and connect students to mentors and others who can help with academics (Katz, 2007; Katz, Smart & Paul, 2010). In a survey of federal K-12 pipeline programs, outreach (52%) was the most frequently employed strategy, followed by mentoring (32%), academic enrichment, (27%), and scholarships (16%) (Danek and Borrayo, 2012).…”

“…Another AIAN program is the Na-ha-shnee Summer Institute at Washington State University. This program employs a 2 week residency program with intensive classes for high students on math, chemistry, and English as well as cultural classes, job shadowing, mentorship, and hands on labs experiences (Katz, Smart & Paul, 2010). To date, the program has seen over 100 students enrolled in health science career programs.…”

"I Don't Know If I Can Make It": Native American Students Considering College and Career

“…In the study's second year, qualitative interviews were conducted to increase the depth of understanding about students' experiences and to modify the pre/post-tests. Survey modifications made from the interview results included adding questions to address concerns that college was too far from home, that students needed emotional support, and that they might not feel prepared for college (Katz, 2007;Katz, Smart, & Paul, 2010). In addition to pre/post-test modifications, interview results uncovered student issues that went beyond, yet affect, students' consideration of college and career.…”