‘Ike Mauli Ola Pre-Nursing students (from left to right: Arlene Roche, Shannon Apostol, Corrina Molina, Michelle Phillips, Keola Greene, Kanani Kaeo, Brooke Kamahiai, Kamalani McIntosh, Princess Agtang, and Marjoie Betiong).
UH West Oʻahu launched its first cohort of ‘Ike Mauli Ola nursing students this semester. The ‘Ike Mauli Ola students are pursuing Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) through a partnership program between UH Hilo, Waiʻanae Health Academy, and UH West Oʻahu. The innovative program, funded by the PIKO Project, a US DOE Title III ANNH grant, allows students from the leeward region to have access to a nursing program close to home. The ‘Ike Mauli Ola partnership focuses on supporting students in pursuit of health care careers.
This year’s cohort will take fall courses at Waiʻanae Health Academy and return to UH West Oʻahu in the spring when the new Nursing Simulation Lab is completed.
The inaugural cohort consists of 10 students, who will be taking UH Hilo nursing courses and will complete their BSN by spring 2018. UH West Oʻahu student Keola Greene, one of the 10 students in the cohort, called it an “honor and privilege.” As part of the program they will also serve as Peer Mentors and Academic Success coaches for the other students in the ‘Ike Mauli Ola Pre-nursing Pathway who are pursuing prerequisite coursework for health care careers. The ‘Ike Mauli Ola BSN program promotes a holistic approach to health care that is inclusive of Native Hawaiian values and practices, and reflects the cultural and social values, and needs of the local community.
“I feel very blessed and fortunate to be given this opportunity to practice ‘auamo kuleana (collective transformation through individual excellence),” said Michelle Phillips, a Native Hawaiian student.
Students interested in enrolling in ʻIke Mauli Ola should visit the ‘Ike Mauli Ola Pre-nursing Pathway website for more information.