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While ethnic minority groupa are often described as having the greatest potential for growth, research has demonstrated that there is a marked disparity in the recruitment, retention and graduation of minority students in nursing and other health care programs (Carter, 1992; Crawford, 1988; Walker, 1987; Weekes, 1989; Wilson & Melendez, 1985). Current trends demonstrate that while African Americana, Hispanic Americans, Southeast Asians and American Indians represent greater than 20% of the total population, they make up only a small portion of our country's health care work force (Carter, 1992; Jones, 1992; NLN, 1989; U.S. Dept of Commerce, 1991; USDHHS, 1984).
In an attempt to improve the recruitment, retention and graduation of minority students in health care disciplines the University of Wisconsin-Mil waukee School of Nursing developed a Health Careers Bridge Program. The Health Careers Bridge Program is a model program for capable minority youth with an interest in nursing or a related health care profession. The Health Careers Bridge Program was specifically designed to facilitate the high schools and collegiate matriculation of Milwaukee area students.
African American, Hispanic, Southeast Asian and Native American high school juniors with a minimum "B" average in math and science and an interest in pursuing a career in health care are encouraged to apply. The Health Careers Bridge Program is designed to provide the participants a supervised practicum in the health care arena and mentoring toward collegiate success. Instructional activities include intensive didactic, clinical and computer laboratory instruction, supervised experiences in acute care and community-based health care practice, opportunities to interact with health professionals, and mentoring.
The summer prior te the senior year of high school is a crucial period when students traditionally begin to seriously entertain commitments to career choices. Prior to the summer of 1993 eleven Milwaukee area high school students were competitively selected for participation in the Health Careers Bridge Program. One of the students was American Indian and ten were African American. One of the students was male and ten were female.
The students participating in the Health Careers Bridge Program attended a two-week orientation seminar at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Nursing to prepare them for a clinical practicum. Coursework included didactic, computer and clinical laboratory activities focused on:
*Health Care in America
*The...