Abstract
Disadvantaged students entering basic nursing programs present challenges to educators who may be unprepared to identify and address the unique needs of this learner group. Developing affirming strategies to support and promote disadvantaged students choosing the nursing profession is critically important to the long-term recruitment and retention of nurses from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. The author describes the characteristics of disadvantaged students, explores equity issues, and offers suggestions for supporting disadvantaged students during their educational experiences.