Nursing and health sciences workforce diversity research using PhotoVoice: a college and high school student participatory project.

This participatory study used PhotoVoice and qualitative description to (a) mentor baccalaureate nursing and college students in workforce diversity research; (b) explore barriers and facilitators encountered by rural American Indian, Hispanic, and other high school students when attending college and pursuing careers in nursing or the health sciences; and (c) model a process of social action to help existing and future students. Baccalaureate nursing and graduate students participated in all stages of research, including dissemination. Five themes emerged from analysis of PhotoVoice data: (a) being afraid; (b) believing; (c) taking small steps; (d) facing fears; and (e) using support systems.

Community-based participatory research and American Indian/Alaska Native nurse practitioners: a partnership to promote adolescent health.

Purpose: To make recommendations for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) nurse practitioners (NPs) and university partners who are partnering on community-based participatory (CBPR) research projects. An example of a CBPR study using focus groups to assess an important adolescent health problem is used to illustrate opportunities and challenges for AI/AN NPs.

Data Sources: Thirteen focus groups were held with 95 participants on the reservation where the AI/AN NP was a member and working.

Creating a path: American Indian/Alaska Native high school students pursuing college and a career in nursing.

The purpose of this quantitative descriptive pre- and post-survey study was to analyze four years of data documenting differences in pre- and post-test responses by American Indian/Alaska Native high school students attending a weeklong residency program. The program was designed to provide information and role models to motivate students to go to college and pursue a career in nursing. The survey measured student perceptions of college and nursing.

Native American learning: an integrative model.

Cultural variations influence health care needs of individuals in various cultural groups. Oral tradition, dreams, and spirituality are important in the lives of many Native Americans. There are few Native American nurses, so health care is often provided to members of this group by nurses who have different cultural backgrounds and who may not understand pertinent history and cultural practices.