Keywords

admissions, diversity, holistic admissions, interview, nursing education

 

Authors

  1. Wagner, Robin DNP, RN, CNS, CHSE
  2. Maddox, Krista R. EdD
  3. Glazer, Greer PhD, RN, CNP, FAAN
  4. Hittle, Beverly M. MSN, RN

Abstract

Background: Nursing programs have responsibility to become more holistic in admission practices, ensuring they admit applicants based on more than grades and test scores to determine the best fit for their program.

 

Problem: One frequently cited holistic admissions barrier is incorporating qualitative measurement of applicant characteristics through interviews. Finding the best interview model is a challenge, depending on a program's intent to learn about applicants.

 

Approach: This article describes the planning and implementation process for incorporating the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) model into an existing holistic nursing program admission process.

 

Outcomes: MMI model implementation resulted in more congruency in student attributes with the college vision, mission, and values and increased diversity.

 

Conclusion: An efficient, well-organized MMI interview model was implemented, allowing achievement of overall admission goals and ensuring selected applicants demonstrate attributes aligned with college values and vision and increased diversity.