Holistic Admission: What Is It? How Successful Has It Been in Nursing, and What Are the Possibilities?

Abstract

Holistic admission review (HAR) practices have been identified as a means to increase diversity in the nursing profession. HAR practices consider the whole applicant in a dignified and respectful manner, while focusing on valued experiences, attributes, and metrics needed for the nursing profession. Nursing has lagged behind other healthcare professions in implementing holistic admissions and with support from national organizations are starting to move onward. Interviewing applicants appears to be a process embraced not only by healthcare service organizations but now by schools (and colleges) of nursing (SONs) that have implemented HAR practices. There is much to gain and not much to lose by using holistic admissions. In addition, increasing diversity in nursing is the only way one can determine if nursing diversity improves health disparities. Faculty need to consider all that their SONs, the profession, and those they serve can gain by implementing holistic admissions.