Equitable academic preparation: A structured onboarding program for incoming graduate nursing students

Background and objective: Nurses who return to school obtain higher education come with varying levels of professional, educational technological competencies. Some are new graduates, others have not been in for a decade, several find technology difficult navigate. Returning can be challenging because graduate programs require complex skills order students succeed. Onboarding, the process organizational socialization, also known as orientation process, is relevant element retention progression education. Onboarding differs from school, ranging half day weeklong on-campus orientation. This research about structured onboarding program built into nursing course specifically addresses needs succeed their studies. presents insights Graduate Student – Professional Development Program (GSO-PDP), designed assist adjustment back enhance learning, achieve degree successfully. It Nursing Informatics class month-long process. The offers some understanding usefulness GSO-PDP incoming students.Methods: study uses qualitative paradigm, particular, case design. an examination four modules GSO-PDP: Elements Research, Scholarly Writing Documentation, Academic Support Services, Life. volunteers participated focus group interviews evaluate program. Results: following were recurring themes identified interviews: “APA Refresher Overload,” “Bridging Gap,” “Relearning English Grammar,” “Navigating Learning University Maze,” “Not Really Computer Savvy.” evident that most elements beneficial enhancing further facilitates enhances student learning. Focus participants offered helpful recommendations improve program.Conclusions & Implications: innovative approach help diverse backgrounds Master’s Participants generally described favorably, but did make suggestions improvement.