Co-designing a diverse nursing workforce pathway
In collaboration with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, with funding from the Loft Foundation.
Sandra Larson
Founding Dean College of Nursing, Vice President Clinical Partnerships Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Lori Thuente
Director and Founding Chair for the MSN-ENP, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Latrina Lee
Master of Design Graduate 2023, Institute of Design
Amy Zasadzinski
Master of Design Graduate 2022, Institute of Design
Angelica Arzuaga
Medical Student, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Reema Rashied
Medical Student, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Kim Erwin
Director, Equitable Healthcare Lab; Associate Professor of Healthcare Design and Design Methods
CHALLENGE
How might we build a pathway to nursing that starts at the community level?
Rosalind Franklin's three-phase nursing pathway has as its goal to improve the diversity of the nursing workforce (a known factor in equitable healthcare delivery) and to improve the economic status and opportunities for underserved youth in Lake County’s high hardship index communities who are interested in nursing careers. While Phase II (undergraduate) and Phase III (graduate) of the nursing pathway were well underway, this project targeted Phase I (high school) for development.
APPROACH
An 8-week design sprint was conducted by a multi-site, multidisciplinary team of medical and graduate design students and faculty leads. We worked with 54 high school students, parents, guidance counselors and graduate students from Lake County communities using co-design workshops as the engagement strategy. Sessions generated 1) a shared narrative of the lived experience of high school students and families, especially family dynamics of first-generation immigrants; 2) a feasible and desirable program experience for families seeking to guide students into higher education; 3) an integrated program model for Phase I of the nursing pathway, with community-informed program elements and design principles.
OUTCOME
Sessions generated a community-informed, multi-level program pathway that provides four kinds of wrap-around supports to promote the success of high school students:
1. Help students build dreams
Help them understand health profession opportunities
Clarify the vision + value proposition of nursing
2. Customize program logistics so students can participate
Design class timing + travel to allow maximal inclusion
Address financial considerations (many high-schoolers must work)
Improve pathway awareness at the community level
3. Optimize the guidance given to students and their families
Promote perseverance by offering varied forms of motivational mentorship
Assist with financial planning, both short term and longer term
Help everyone involved understand college readiness
4. Innovate the student experience of Science Saturday and INSPIRE programs
Build in more immersive, hands-on learning experiences
Pioneer strategies for flexible access and assessment so students can continue
Build in culturally sensitive practices
