Growth and access increase for nursing students: a retention and progression project.

The Growth and Access Increase for Nursing Students (GAINS) Project was the first federally-funded initiative for the baccalaureate program. A project goal was to provide a program of support and resources for students successful completion of the program. The strategies included peer-tutoring, mentoring, advisement, prenursing experience seminars, and faculty development. Although the target of 70% program completion was not achieved, many other rewards were experienced. A follow-up survey indicated that only one graduate had to sit twice for the licensing examination. Further, over 70% are currently employed in medically-underserved areas and all have plans to pursue advanced degrees. Current school initiatives are based on the successes from the project.