Ayudándonos Podemos (Helping Each Other, We Can Do It)

The Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing (LGSSON) is a transfer-only, baccalaureate nursing program. In 2004, the school launched Ayudándonos Podemos, or AP, (Helping Each Other, We Can Do it), a federally funded recruitment and retention program to increase the number of graduates from populations that are underrepresented in nursing, particularly Hispanic students. This program attempts to address the disparity between Hispanics in Oregon (11% according to U.S. Census Bureau, 2007) and the registered nursing workforce (presently 1%). 

LGSSON has developed a comprehensive approach to retention of nursing students, providing resources and support services for Latino students.  LGSSON's bilingual, bicultural staff members are key to the success of AP recruitment activities, which include a community-based outreach program targeting 800+ Hispanic students and their families (e.g., ¡Saludos! Hispanic Family Day). Their outreach extends to TRIO programs at local two- and four-year colleges and healthcare workforce development programs/agencies. In a statewide demonstration project in collaboration with Salem Hospital (Salem, OR), AP program leaders plan to implement a recruitment program in 2009-10 targeting Latino high school students for nursing careers.