title: Engagement and Creation of Professional Identity in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Convention-Style Orientation Event.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In an innovative event that challenged traditional orientation programs, the Curtin University School of Nursing and Midwifery brought together nursing students, academic and student support staff, and health industry representatives. This unique whole-of-school convention consisted of sessions tailored to each student year group and aimed to promote nursing identity, highlight leadership opportunities, and showcase employer pathways.
  
  
  METHODS
  To evaluate the event, a survey approach was used to collect quantitative data via questionnaire and qualitative data via open-ended questions from first-year students (n = 113), staff (n = 24), and industry representatives (n = 14).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students, staff, and industry evaluations indicated a successful event that achieved its goals, including student engagement and motivation and community building.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This orientation model could be used as a basis for institution-wide engagement activities.
authors.forename: Melanie Sue
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Burkhardt
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gower
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Flavell
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Taplin
mesh_terms: D004506:Education, Nursing; D012933:Social Identification; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires