Barriers and facilitators to recruitment and retention of underrepresented racial and ethnic minoritized students to PhD programs in nursing: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Background: There is a global shortage of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)-trained nurses, which is amplified among underrepresented racial and ethnic groups who are minoritized.

Purpose: This study explores barriers and facilitators to recruiting under-represented racial-ethnic group who are minoritized (UREM) PhD nursing students, defined as African American, Black, American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Hispanic/Latinx.

Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, interviews of 23 UREM PhD nursing students were analyzed with conventional content analysis.

Discussion: 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, faculty from groups who are minoritized representation, and strong family support. These findings had implications for recruitment and retention and PhD programs in nursing can focus on the above key areas to better recuit and retain UREM students.

Conclusion: Allocating funding to culturally tailored mental health resources, student scholarships, and increasing UREM members of faculty within PhD programs.

Keywords: Health equity; Nursing education; Representation; Underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.