Gatherings as a retention strategy.
Retention has long been an issue for minority students enrolled in nursing programs. Indiana University put into place an initiative to enhance retention. The initiative is "Gatherings" which provide a means for maintaining contact and direct communication with minority/international students. Gatherings allow students at varied levels in the program to interact with each other and to share issues and concerns. Over a five-year period, the benefits of this initiative have been voiced by students. These students have strongly encouraged continuation of "gatherings". Plans are underway to start similar sessions for all students.
D004507:Education, Nursing, Associate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D005006:Ethnicity; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007196:Indiana; D007393:International Educational Exchange; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D010563:Personnel Turnover; D012649:Self Concept; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*