Leadership 2.0: Nursing's Next Generation: Lessons Learned on Increasing Nursing Student Diversity

Abstract

Colleges and universities are pivotal to successful efforts aimed at achieving greater nursing workforce diversity. In 2013, the College of Nursing at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, introduced a multi-faceted program that supports underrepresented racial/ethnic minority and disadvantaged students throughout the four years of the nursing baccalaureate curriculum. The Leadership 2.0: Nursing’s Next Generation program has achieved impressive gains in the recruitment, retention, and academic performance of program participants. This article describes key program components and strategies that ensure an integrated program structure. Lessons learned are discussed, including factors that have contributed to the program’s success and its ability to meet the academic, professional development, socialization, and financial needs of underrepresented and disadvantaged students.