LPN — Nursing Inclusion Initiative
Research shows that diversity in nursing contributes to increased access to and quality of better health care outcomes for underserved populations when providers come from similar backgrounds. For example, racial/ethnic, gender, religious, socioeconomic, and language concordance between patients and provider promotes improved communication, trust, and decision-making which translates into improved care for more Americans.
Hawkeye Community College values diversity and inclusivity in enriching the learning environment. As such, the Nursing Inclusion Initiative strives to increase the number of underrepresented nurses in our service area and across the state by actively recruiting, retaining, and graduating more nursing scholars from diverse backgrounds. This program will train a nursing workforce that more closely reflects the diversity of our community, addresses the needs of our rapidly changing demography, aligns with our institutional mission, and meets the demands of our business and industry stakeholders.
Students from minority or underserved groups are provided mentors, job shadowing opportunities, community service involvement, professional development and resource materials, and additional academic and career guidance to enhance them as they work toward their nursing degree.
The Nursing Inclusion Initiative is based on a thorough and holistic review of each applicant. Holistic review considers applicants’ unique experiences alongside traditional measures of academic preparation and performance. In addition to the applicant’s academic readiness, the program will consider a broad range of factors reflecting leadership, resilience, cultural competency, co-curricular activities and service, work experience, and enthusiasm for nursing.
Seats in this program are limited, and only four students will be selected.
Eligibility
To be eligible students must:
- Meet all of the Practical Nursing (LPN) program prerequisite coursework requirements
- Have attempted the TEAS test at least twice
- Meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Self-identify as someone from an underserved group (i.e. first-generation college student, racial/ethnic minority, LGTBQ, male, multilingual)
- Have experienced financial barriers such as low socioeconomic status
- Have overcome challenges or obstacles that they feel gives them a unique perspective that would make them a valuable member of the program
Commitment
Students selected for the Nursing Inclusion Initiative will be expected to:
- Meet regularly with the faculty mentor/advisor Teresa Culpepper.
- Actively participate in monthly mentoring and professional seminars throughout the semester.
- Meet monthly with Vic Palmer, Health Sciences Student Success Specialist, to ensure program requirements are being met (regular tutoring and study hours may be required).
- Complete one full year (at least two consecutive semesters commitment, fall, spring, and/or summer).
Apply for the LPN — Nursing Inclusion Initiative
To apply for the LPN — Nursing Inclusion Initiative complete the following application.
Selected applicants will also be required to participate in a selection interview.