Non-traditional Student Outcomes in Prelicensure BSN Programs: Strategies for Success

Background: The effects of the pandemic have intensified the need for RNs in the United States. Recruiting applicants who have historically enrolled in fewer numbers in prelicensure programs due to financial constraints and marginal academic performance could help increase the RN workforce. Problem: Increased student enrollments, persistence to graduation, RN licensure on first attempts, and positive employer feedback about disadvantaged graduates were achieved by increasing financial support and offering regular faculty-to-student mentoring sessions. Approach: In 2016, the faculty implemented a dual financial and mentoring strategy. Outcomes: The dual strategy, implemented between 2016 and 2020, produced exemplary results, including a 96.9% NCLEX-RN^® pass rate for supported students, exceeding state averages. Conclusions: Supporting disadvantaged students through a dual financial and mentoring strategy increases the recruitment and retention of this population in prelicensure programs, resulting in individual student success and the alleviation of chronic RN workforce shortages over time.