Abstract
This paper discusses issues around the transition of beginning nursing students into higher education. The authors report on a project conducted at a multi-campus university within a School of Nursing and Midwifery dispersed across four diverse sites. First-year students encounter specific issues of adjustment in this environment, particularly when studying by distance mode. To provide the support necessary in the transition to tertiary study, First Year Experience Coordinator (Nursing) (FYEC) positions were established on each of the four campuses. This role was intended to offer personal, educational and professional support to beginning nursing students; establish a specific educational program for diploma qualified nurses to transit to the Bachelor of Nursing (BN) program; reduce the attrition rate from the BN program across all campuses; develop expertise in student engagement and support roles among staff; and establish a research agenda in respect of the first-year experience of nursing students.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | New Developments in Nursing Education Research |
| Editors | Tod S. Emerson |
| Publisher | Nova Science Publishers |
| Pages | 77-90 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781634631440 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781634631143 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |