Achieving Diversity Through Military Inclusion

Over the past six years, one university has used an evidence-based approach in the development of a sustained program designed specifically for veterans with prior military healthcare training and experiences. To meet the diverse learning needs of military and student veterans, initiation of the military program included development of competency-based opportunities, allowing veterans to receive academic credit through demonstration of knowledge and skills. Military cultural awareness training was initially developed and provided to faculty within the military healthcare program, however; a transformation has occurred throughout the university as the training is now provided to all students, faculty, and staff. Awareness and sensitivity to military-affiliated individuals supported by institutional policies and procedures, provides a pathway to increase gender and ethnic diversity in nursing education. Addressing the social determinants of education creates a pipeline for students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.

Initiating military cultural awareness and inclusion training through six online modules increased participation, recruitment, and retention. Increased participation in the veteran program was achieved by providing an opportunity to complete the program in an accelerated time frame and acceptance of recommended military education courses. Recruitment was increased by visiting military installations and alumni testimonials. Retention was achieved by addressing economic social determinants related to financial assistance, including veteran-specific scholarships. A veterans’ liaison was key in recruitment and retention by serving as the military-affiliated students’ initial and primary point of contact. Military-affiliated students were provided multiple resources to build community through the university veterans resource center and local veterans service organizations.

Deborah Sikes
DNP, RN, CNE
Director of Veterans Education Initiatives
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Biography

Dr. Debbie Sikes has been employed at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing from April 2015 to present. She is an associate professor and the Director of Veterans Education Initiatives for the Non-Traditional Undergraduate Program. She was the inaugural Veteran to BSN Director in the Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program. From 2009-2015, she served as director of evaluation and accreditation, director of the online RN to BSN program, OSCE coordinator, and clinical instructor at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). She has numerous publications and has presented at local, national, and international conferences. Dr. Sikes is a Certified Nurse Educator and has held several positions of leadership, including president and treasurer of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Delta Kappa Chapter.

Phone: 915-494-1558
Email: deborah.sikes@ttuhsc.edu

Co-Author(s):
Patricia Francis Johnson, DNP, RN