First Advisor

Gilbert, Marcia

Second Advisor

Graham-Dickerson, Phyllis

College

Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

School

Loretto Heights School of Nursing

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Number of Pages

93 pages

Abstract

The employment of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)-prepared nurses at the bedside in clinical areas is necessary to realize improved care outcomes. The increased retention of BSN students will ultimately provide for an increased proportion and larger workforce of BSN-prepared nurses. The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Capstone Project was to demonstrate nurse-sensitive outcomes in the educational setting. These outcomes have the potential to ultimately impact clinical practice and patient care outcomes. This DNP Capstone Report describes an evidence-based intervention aimed at increasing academic performance and retention of undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students '“at risk" for academic failure. The implementation of a faculty/peer mentoring program consisted of four sessions during the health assessment class for first semester baccalaureate nursing students. Serial measurements of exam grades along with comparison of similar content from final comprehensive exam were used to measure knowledge retention/application of course content in '“at risk" students. Exam grades were used to measure outcome differences between intervention group and control groups. Control groups consisted of '“at risk" students in health assessment course from two previous semesters. Data analysis revealed no significant differences in academic performance between intervention group and control groups (p > .05). However, data analysis within the intervention group revealed significant academic improvement in serial exam grades during- and post-intervention (p < .05). Students and peer mentors also expressed appreciation for the mentoring experience.

Date of Award

Spring 2012

Location (Creation)

Colorado (state); Denver (county); Denver (inhabited place)

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

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