Scribd
Upload
16 views

Docu6

The document discusses the impact of the K-12 program in the Philippines on education, particularly in nursing, highlighting the challenges faced by non-STEM students transitioning into nursing programs. It emphasizes the need for more research on the experiences of these students to understand their struggles and support requirements. The study aims to explore the factors influencing non-STEM students' decisions to pursue nursing and identify strategies to improve their academic success and retention.

Uploaded by

Aljoy Margaret Bautista
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
16 views

Docu6

The document discusses the impact of the K-12 program in the Philippines on education, particularly in nursing, highlighting the challenges faced by non-STEM students transitioning into nursing programs. It emphasizes the need for more research on the experiences of these students to understand their struggles and support requirements. The study aims to explore the factors influencing non-STEM students' decisions to pursue nursing and identify strategies to improve their academic success and retention.

Uploaded by

Aljoy Margaret Bautista
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Education plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s career path, and the Philippines has taken

significant steps to enhance its educational system through the implementation of the K-12
program. This program consists of six years of elementary education, four years of junior high
school, and two years of senior high school. The additional two years aim to equip students with
specialized skills and a stronger academic foundation before entering higher education or joining
the workforce. Many countries have adopted similar programs to meet international standards and
ensure their graduates are globally competitive (Enderun Colleges, 2022). In the Philippines,
Republic Act 10533, also known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, supports this
initiative by ensuring students acquire the necessary competencies for higher education and
employment (Universal Eprints, 2023).

Nursing is one of the most sought-after healthcare professions among senior high school graduates,
offering opportunities for stable employment and career growth. The nursing curriculum requires
a strong foundation in science, mathematics, and healthcare concepts to ensure students can
comprehend complex medical subjects. Ideally, students from the Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or Allied Health Science strands are expected to transition
smoothly into nursing programs due to their prior exposure to relevant coursework. However, the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) allows all Grade 12 graduates to enter college
regardless of their strand, making it possible for non-STEM students to enroll in nursing programs
(Malaga & Oducado, 2021). While this policy promotes inclusivity, it raises concerns about
whether students without a background in health sciences are adequately prepared for the academic
and clinical demands of nursing education.

Transitioning into a nursing program is already challenging due to its rigorous coursework and
clinical training, but for non-STEM students, the transition can be even more difficult. These
students may struggle with medical terminologies, laboratory skills, and clinical exposure, which
are essential for nursing practice. According to Beyers (2024), adapting to the nursing profession
requires not only academic readiness but also the development of a new professional identity,
encompassing critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability. Without prior exposure to health
sciences, non-STEM students may experience higher levels of stress and self-doubt, affecting their
overall performance. Although nursing education offers numerous rewards, the challenges faced
by students from non-health-related backgrounds must be examined to ensure they receive the
necessary support for academic success and retention.

Despite the growing interest in nursing education, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding
the experiences of non-STEM students transitioning into the field. Current research on nursing
student retention primarily focuses on cognitive factors such as GPA, science grades, and
admission test scores (Herrera, 2013; Jeffries, 2015; Merkley, 2016; Walker, 2016, as cited in
Bishop, 2020). While these factors are important, they do not fully capture the struggles and
adjustments experienced by students without a strong foundation in health sciences. Additionally,
many existing studies focus on students with prior exposure to science and healthcare subjects,
leaving out the perspectives of those from non-Allied Health strands. As a result, little is known
about how these students navigate the transition, the challenges they face, and the support systems
they require to succeed in nursing programs. More research is needed to explore their lived
experiences and identify targeted support strategies to improve their academic success and
retention.

This study aims to explore the lived experiences of nursing students at PHINMA Araullo
University who have graduated from non-Allied Health strands in senior high school. Through a
qualitative approach, this research will investigate the factors influencing non-STEM students’
decision to pursue nursing, the challenges they encounter, and their adaptability to the nursing
curriculum. Understanding these experiences is crucial for recognizing the gaps in their
preparedness and developing effective interventions to enhance their learning outcomes. By
shedding light on this transition, the study seeks to provide insights that will help educators,
policymakers, and nursing institutions create strategies that improve the academic success and
retention of non-STEM students in nursing programs. Findings from this research will contribute
to a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for aspiring nurses from diverse
academic backgrounds.

You might also like