1. A LIFETIME OF SERVICE; SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION FROM MILITARY SERVICE TO A BSN. Dr. Jason E. Saladiner Clinical Associate Professor Director of Innovative Programs College of Nursing and Health Sciences Mr. Jason Lott eLine Military Program Coordinator College of Nursing and Health Scien ce

2. About the Island Hispanic Serving Institution with enrollment approximately 11,700 students College of Nursing and Health Sciences – 2,140 students Undergraduate – 758 students Pre-licensure, RN to BSN Health Sciences Graduate – 387 students FNP, Leadership, Nurse Educator DNP (Fall) 2016 Approved TBON Accreditation CCNE,SACS

3. e lectronic L earning i n n ursing e ducation Funded by FIPSE – LAAP -2001 1.2 million dollars Collaboration between ADN and BSN Partners Vertically aligned curricula Seamless integration of curriculum components Advancement without repetition

4. eLine Discreet modules that apply to multiple portions of traditional courses Based on competencies NEAC DECS AACN Essentials Modules aligned to content in existing courses

5. eLine in 2016 Competency based modules BSN delivery Semester alignment Preceptor and group clinicals High use of technology Prior Learning Assessment(s) for eLine Military Program participants

6. Background In response to the dramatic shortage of nurses in Texas and the nation, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is offering the eLine Military Program (ELM) to residents of Texas who are active service members and veterans with previous medical training and experience. Initial grant funding through Health Resources and Human Services (HRSA) in 2010. Blackstone Foundation 2014 Received subsequent VBSN (Veteran to BSN) grant in 2015.

7. eLine Military Progression Chart eLine Military Progression Chart Pipeline BSN Curriculum Non-Participant Recruitment Assessment Graduate Admissions Committee Prerequisites Non-Participant NCLEX Non-Participant Employment MSN

8. Methods Modular, competency based online instruction providing access to a full curriculum for the BSN Degree. Maximize college credit based on medical training and experience Military transcript evaluation (i.e. Joint Service Transcript, SMART, AARTS, CCAF) Course for course (e.g. Anatomy & Physiology I for Anatomy & Physiology I) Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Individualized concept level credit

9. Degree Plan Three components : 1.Core curriculum 2.Nursing prerequisites 3.Nursing major

10. Validation of Prior Knowledge Pre-test Analysis of results (gaps) Placement in modules Clinical skills validation Abbreviated clinical experience Post-test

13. The Circle of Care Model Initial Inquiry Retention Efforts Academic Support VA Support Personal Support

14. Initial Inquiry Main point of contact for student veteran Initiates process toward program application Assists with academic and military education Prepares tentative degree plan Prepares a tailored plan to complete prerequisite coursework

15. Retention Efforts Provides ongoing support through continuous communication (face-to-face, WebEx, Skype, phone, text, and email) Provides updates for academic and non-academic purposes Maintains a communication log to track student barriers Cultivates communication through monthly virtual peer collaboration groups

16. Academic Support Prepares individual completion plans Helps find tutors and study materials Helps students utilize on-campus tutoring Coordinate peer mentors Prepares a newsletter that addresses the online learner, gives study tips and related articles, tells of upcoming University events, and highlights student veterans’ stories

17. Veterans Affairs Support Assists with the financial aid maze Offers financial aid resources Offers scholarship information and deadlines Ensures that the University VA office receives all necessary student verification forms

18. Personal Support Coordinates student veterans’ travel accommodations in the local area Generates a city resource list for student veterans who have received permanent change of station (PCS) orders Provides resources for life changes Sends personalized greetings for life events

19. Results Enrollment > 150 in pipeline 91 accepted to ELM 49 currently enrolled 26 ELM completers 16 Non-completers 82% retention rate Prior Learning Assessment Range 398 – 1049 PLA 667 (64%) Fundamentals HESI 898 (81%) + 231 (+18%)

20. Lessons Learned During application and admission, psychosocial issues must be addressed early and supported consistently. Although much of online education is asynchronous (providing flexibility), clear and consistent expectations (providing structure) are usually desired and lead to academic success. Multiple ways of assessing competencies in skills and knowledge can be used. Veteran Education benefits can be complex.

21. Summary Service members and veterans with medical training and experience can successfully transition into higher education earning a BSN with proper support, understanding and assessment of their prior learning and experiences. The model developed from this program can be applied to multiple sites (and disciplines) around the US (and abroad), add diversity in Nursing and assist in solving the nursing shortage.