Since 2017, the New Mexico Native American Indian Nurses Association (NMNAINA) Student Success Program has focused on three goals:
- Increase graduation rates among Native American nursing students attending New Mexico nursing programs.
- Support graduates in successfully passing the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
- Retain Native nurses within the New Mexico workforce.
Nationally, American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) students experience lower rates of postsecondary degree attainment than other racial and ethnic groups. In 2022, only 33% of AIAN adults who had attended postsecondary education had completed an associate degree or higher, the lowest completion rate among major racial and ethnic groups (Congressional Research Service, 2024).
NMNAINA Student Success Program Results (2017-2026)
Over the past 10 years, NMNAINA has mentored 147 Native nursing students with the following results:
- 126 students graduated from New Mexico-accredited nursing programs (93% graduation rate).
- 100% of graduates passed the NCLEX-RN examination.
- All 126 graduates are currently employed in New Mexico.
- 16 students remain enrolled in nursing programs.
- 5 students withdrew from their nursing programs (7% attrition rate), primarily during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These outcomes, compared to national data demonstrating lower completion rates among Native students, support research showing that mentoring programs improve retention, graduation, and NCLEX success (Campaign for Action, 2025).
The NMNAINA is proud of its partnership with the New Mexico Board of Nursing, whose funding has made this program possible. The association looks forward to continuing its work mentoring future nurses, supporting NCLEX success, and strengthening New Mexico’s nursing workforce.
References
Congressional Research Service. (2024, June 25). Postsecondary education of Native Americans (IF10554). https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/IF/PDF/IF10554/IF10554.5.pdf
Campaign for Action. (2025, March 7). Leaders learn tips for strengthening nursing school mentorship programs. https://campaignforaction.org/strengthening-nursing-school-mentorship-programs/
New Mexico Native American Indian Nurses Association. (2026). Student Success Program outcomes report, 2017-2026 (internal program data).
