Barriers and Facilitators to Recruitment and Retention of Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Minority Students to PhD Programs in Nursing; A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Background: There is a global shortage of PhD-trained nurses, which is amplified among underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities.<br><br>Purpose: This study explores barriers and facilitators to recruiting under-represented racial-ethnic minorities (UREM) PhD nursing students, defined as African American, Black, American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Hispanic/Latinx.<br><br>Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, interviews of 23 UREM PhD nursing students were analyzed with conventional content analysis.<br><br>Findings: Barriers to recruitment and retention included identifying students interested in a PhD, organizational culture of programs, student mental health, and lack of social support. Facilitators for recruitment and retention included less discrimination and microaggressions experienced by students, minority representation within faculty, and strong family support.<br><br>Discussion: Findings are discussed in the context of developing recruitment strategies and programming to improve retention. Allocating funding to culturally tailored mental health resources, student scholarships, and increasing UREM members of faculty within PhD programs.

Duke Scholars

Author Latesha K. Harris School of Nursing

Author Gillian Adynski School of Nursing