Abstract
Latinos continue to be the fastest growing population in California and represent the fastest growing youth population. Paradoxically, Latinas remain underrepresented in California’s nursing workforce. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to 1) examine the factors contributing to the underrepresentation of Latinas seeking a career in the nursing profession, 2) Identify elements which serve as a means of support towards nursing education completion, 3) Examine the favorable outcomes from increasing Latina participation in nursing, and 4) Substantiate policy recommendations, legislation, and educational interventions to promote and support students of Latino ethnicity in the nursing profession. Four self-identified Latina nurses who completed their nursing education and successfully passed the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) were selected. Seven open-ended questions were designed to discover how their personal experiences served as obstacles or support as they pursued nursing as their desired profession. Findings revealed that a desire to help others, fulfilling a sense of obligation or service, balancing family, work, and school, and financial stability were identified as supportive measures towards successfully attaining a nursing degree. Conversely, financial difficulties, a lack of role models and mentors, balancing family, work, and academics, program enrollment criteria, and ineffective academic advisors were identified obstacles towards attaining a nursing degree. Lastly, recommendations for future Latina nursing student success was articulated by the graduate nurse participants.