In this first-person narrative, Ruben Garcia, undergraduate researcher, tells Nevada Today about his experience researching American Indian accessibility and nursing education through the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´.
From a young age, I have always been fulfilled by learning and gaining new insights. There is something so special about coming up with a question about an unknown phenomenon and digging deep to expose the roots behind the truth. To fuel this passion for learning, I decided to engage in undergraduate research. While applying for the Pack Research Experience Program (PREP), I was in awe of the number of fascinating discoveries we are making on this very campus. However, one project stuck out to me more than the others.
As a first-generation Latino student making his best effort to build a future for himself, I stand behind the idea that everyone deserves a chance to pursue a higher education. Unfortunately, that is not the way life works, as we all have personal obligations on top of striving for a higher education. On the other hand, there are those who simply do not have the proper resources to attend a collegiate level institution. Therefore, I was immediately enthralled by the project, “Facilitators and Barriers of American Indian Access to, and Completion of, Nursing Education,” overseen by Shannon Burleson, Ph.D., RN, CCRN, and assistant professor in the Orvis School of Nursing.
The big question the study aims to answer is: What facilitators and barriers are in place that restrict American Indian access to nursing education? To find out what is already known about this subject, we conducted a formal Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) scoping review and are currently conducting a qualitative study in which we will interview specific groups to establish what is needed for American Indian success in nursing programs. From this data, we hope to inform program development for the Orvis School of Nursing. This program, which is currently being developed by Julie Sawyer, MSN, RN, will be a vital resource in providing aspiring American Indian nurses with the proper education and support to matriculate into and complete the nursing program at the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´.
Being a part of this research team has struck a new sense of curiosity within me. Research is never picture-perfect, which we have seen through multiple setbacks in our study. However, it is such a reward to see how your team will overcome setbacks and continue making progress toward discoveries. This research project has provided me with new insights on cultural humility which will undeniably help me in my future career as a registered nurse. Oftentimes, healthcare personnel are not properly equipped with culture-based training which results in healthcare workers not knowing how to approach patients from diverse backgrounds. This study has certainly allowed me to develop this new sense of humility and how to approach people, in general, with culturally respectful initiatives. Growing up in a pretty diverse town, I have always strived to make everyone feel safe and welcome around me. Through this project, I have learned that it is crucial to understand people through the lens of others before initiating solutions.
Our team conducted prior research engaging with American Indian liaisons to understand how we can approach their culture to be as respectful as possible. This inspired me to make an effort to understand everyone’s culture prior to making assumptions and sharing my opinion. I have become more aware of how to approach different cultures and understand the importance of making others feel seen. A big part of my job as a nurse will be to educate people on their health, and I know this new knowledge will allow me to more effectively teach my patients and approach them in ways that they understand. This is something that everyone can learn to make our society more inclusive and welcoming. More so, it has been a privilege to work alongside the faculty at the Orvis School of Nursing and build relationships with them as I prepare to enter their program and learn skills from them.
I have been inspired by this study to promote the alleviation of these barriers. It has been an honor to be a part of such a complex study. I have retained numerous skills as a researcher, and I feel confident in my ability to conduct research. This study has further fueled my passion for learning, and I cannot wait to see the development of the Orvis School of Nursing program being informed by our findings. If you are looking for your sign to get involved with research, this is it! Get out there and unveil an abundance of discoveries!
ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ the author
My name is Ruben Garcia, and I am a sophomore at the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´. I am a public health major while focusing on the pre-nursing track. I was raised in Winnemucca, Nevada, for the majority of my life. I am ecstatic to share my experiences with undergraduate research with you as it has been one of the most rewarding parts of my collegiate experience thus far!
