Hispanics continue to be the fastest growing minority population in the Nation. According to U.S. Census Bureau (2011; 2008)., the Hispanic or Latino population was 16.3 percent in 2010 and is projected to be over 30 percent in 2050. However, only 3.6% of the RN population is Hispanic indicating an unrealistic representation of today's diversity in nursing (U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and better understand how Hispanic nurses perceive their community college associate degree in nursing (ADN) program experience. More specifically, this study described, analyzed, and interpreted the experiences of Hispanic nurses with an emphasis on retention. Using a phenomenology approach, six Hispanic nurses who completed an ADN program interviewed separately. Sources of data included audio-recorded interviews, note-taking, and written journals. Data analysis followed Moustakas' modification of the Van Kaam method of phenomenological data. Four common themes emerged from data: financial challenges, fear of failing, supports and supporters, and role model. Findings from this study contributed to a deeper understanding of the way in which Hispanic nurses have perceived their educational experiences and how those experiences have influenced their beliefs and practices overall. The findings offer data to researchers who are addressing the epidemic problem of the nursing shortage and the lack of diversity in the nursing profession.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:pacific.edu/oai:scholarlycommons.pacific.edu:uop_etds-1023 |
| Date | 01 January 2012 |
| Creators | Herrera, Antoinette Navalta |
| Publisher | Scholarly Commons |
| Source Sets | University of the Pacific |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ |
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