title: S.O.S. (STUDENTS' OPTIMAL SUCCESS): A MODEL FOR INSTITUTIONAL ACTION TO SUPPORT MINORITY NURSING STUDENTS.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Success of minority students in higher education is an issue of great relevance today, as the changing United States demographic necessitates that programs in higher education afford success across cultural groups.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine thematic concepts of academic success as perceived by current nursing students in 2 entry-level nursing programs, and to propose a theoretical model to maximize the success of minority students.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected from 31 students enrolled in two registered nursing (RN) programs (baccalaureate and associate) at separate urban academic institutions in the Midwestern region of the United States. Two opened-ended questions were asked from the students. Question 1 asked, "What has helped you be most successful in pursuing your nursing degree at your school?" Question 2 asked, "What could be done to help make your college education more meaningful and/or less stressful?"
  
  
  RESULTS
  Key factors of institutional commitment, communication of expectations, academic, social and financial support,feedback and involvement were identified as factors to students' optimal success.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This data resulted in development of a theoretical model that can serve a framework for the success of minority nursing students.
authors.forename: Denise K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Ferrell
authors.forename: Susan K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: DeCrane
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D004510:Education, Nursing, Diploma Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004522:Educational Status; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017145:Models, Educational; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D012944:Social Support; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult