LLU&MC Scope Autumn 2000

Success in Learning: Individualized Pathways Program (SLIPP) assists LLU nursing students

Christina Bishop knew from the time she was a small child that she wanted to be a nurse. "I grew up with a cousin who is a year older than I am,"she says, "and I was constantly putting bandages on him and pretending to be a nurse."

After entering college, she talked to advisors at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), and took courses that would prepare her to enter the nursing program there.

"Their program only accepts 60 students each year, however, and there were always an average of 400 applicants,"she remembers.

After attending CSUSB for four years with no guarantee of being accepted into their program, she became discouraged and considered graduating with a degree in liberal studies. Then a friend suggested she apply to Loma Linda's School of Nursing. "My first reaction was that I wouldn't be accepted, so why should I try,"she recalls.

After applying to LLU and meeting with Ernestine Dew, RN, PHN, director of admissions and recruitment for the School of Nursing, however, her life would soon change. "Ms. Dew and Dr. Condon [Vaneta Condon, PhD, RN, associate professor and SLIPP director] told me that I would be a good candidate for SLIPP,"says Ms. Bishop.

Success in Learning: Individualized Pathways Program (SLIPP) was created to assist those desiring to become nurses who face financial or educational challenges, and those from nationalities underrepresented in the profession. Students accepted into the program benefit from a curriculum that is designed to help them succeed. According to Dr. Condon, SLIPP students are taught study and test-taking skills, and receive tutoring. Those who qualify receive financial aid.

Charlie Jo Morgan, PhD, RN, assistant professor, is a member of the committee that evaluates SLIPP candidates.

"The program was made possible,"she says, "by a three-year grant from the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration. The title of the grant is 'Nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.'"

According to Ms. Dew, candidates who are low-income, first-generation college students from a group underrepresented in nursing, or a single parent, have priority for SLIPP acceptance.

Dr. Morgan remembers meeting Ms. Bishop for the first time. "Christina was very quiet when I first met her. It wasn't long, however, before I knew she would make a terrific nurse. She sat on the front row of class, and drank in every word."

Ms. Bishop is grateful to Loma Linda for making it possible for her to pursue her dream. "I remember my first patient," she says with wonder. "She was so thankful for the small things I did for her. It was so rewarding."

[Scope, Autumn 2000]