Understanding the Experiences of African American Nursing Students

Background: Although African Americans represent the largest racial minority group, their nursing program success rates are lower. Understanding circumstances that lead to nursing school success may facilitate changes in educational practices that increase graduation among African American students. Method: A qualitative, phenomenological research study of 11 African Americans was used to understand their experiences as nursing students. Data were collected through an interview process, and Colaizzi's analysis methods and synthesis of themes were used. Results: Four themes were identified: Resolve to Succeed, Ineffective Education Models, A Need for Support of the College Experience, and Finding African American Mentors. Conclusion: Enhanced student connections via racial minority mentors and revised teaching pedagogies, including integration of classroom and clinical learning and use of case studies and simulation, may foster retention in nursing education and promote graduation. Increasing the number of practicing African American nurses may improve the care experience for African Americans.

Automated summary

The study found that the main reasons for lower nursing program success rates among African American students include ineffective education models, lack of college experience support, and the absence of African American mentors. Therefore, in order to improve graduation rates among these students, it is necessary to strengthen connections with racial minority mentors and reform teaching methods.