Caring for Our Own Program for American Indian/Alaska Native Nursing Students: A Retrospective Study

• In Event: Health Professions Student Issues in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Abstract

A retrospective analysis of a national workforce diversification program developed by a non-Native University in the Northwest provides unique insights into the kinds of supplemental program processes that strengthen career readiness for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) nursing students. Since 1998, the Caring for Our Own Program has held a long-range vision to achieve health equity for AI/AN populations by offering nurse education to Indigenous students. The CO-OP's enhanced curriculum has provided financial, social, and academic care for over two decades. This study analyzes the program features and student outcomes such as the number of AI/AN students who continue to graduate from the program each year.

Authors

• Catherine Mary Johnson, Montana State University

• Laura Larsson, Montana State University

• Shihua Chen Brazill, Montana State University