UH offers no-cost summer bridge workshop to boost resilience for entry-level nursing students

Nursing faculty from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and West Oahu collaborated to launch an inaugural no-cost three-day workshop for 2nd semester students enrolled in the UH West Oahu Pre-Nursing to UH Manoa Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway and UH Manoa High School Direct Entry in Nursing pathway. This pilot workshop was held in the weeks leading up to the start of the fall 2025 semester.

The program focused instruction on preparation, connection and resilience offering students  opportunities to engage in hands-on clinical refreshers, academic skill-building workshops, and cultural activities designed to build confidence in essential nursing skills.

The sessions provided a supportive space to practice clinical tasks such as taking vital signs and performing medication calculations, while also learning strategies for prioritization and time management. In addition, the sessions emphasized the importance of emotional well-being through mental health support, self-care activities, and peer networking, helping students develop grit and resilience for the challenges ahead.

Rooted in the values of aloha, kuleana, and malama aina, the workshop also deepened students’ understanding of the cultural context of nursing in Hawaii. Through reflection, relationship-building, and guided planning, participants left the experience more grounded, motivated, and prepared to succeed both academically and personally in their nursing journey.

Undergraduate Program Director William Siegman extends his gratitude to the  administrators and faculty from UH West Oahu, UH Manoa Nursing and the IKE AO PONO Program for their support in making this workshop possible.