Research shows that holistic admissions review practices can increase diversity across students
without decreasing the workforce preparedness and academic success of students. Therefore,
many disciplines have readily adopted the widespread use of holistic admissions review. Despite
its proven effectiveness in addressing student diversity, nursing has been slow to implement
holistic admissions review. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the
barriers to implementing holistic admissions review in nursing and the feasibility of adopting
holistic admissions review across nursing programs. A biphasic qualitative research study was
conducted with nursing deans from across the United States. Qualitative data collection
consisted of two phases of focus group discussions conducted over a 3-month period. The
qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The categories and subcategories
identified in Phase 1 informed the discussion in Phase 2. One overarching category from Phase 1
was identified, which was the lack of nursing schools' knowledge regarding holistic admissions
review. Four subcategories also identified in Phase 1 included the need for better dissemination
of evidence, the need for additional support from university leaders and administrators, the need
for legal guidance to facilitate implementation of holistic admissions review, and ensuring
appropriate resources to support the holistic admissions review process. Three categories
emerged in Phase 2, which included everyone's buy-in is required, the need for a model, and a
need for training. The adoption of holistic admissions review in nursing may be feasible. However,
certain barriers need to be overcome so that nursing schools can successfully take on this
process. Therefore, five recommendations have been developed to assist nursing schools in the
implementation of holistic admissions review. These recommendations include increasing
knowledge and understanding of holistic admissions review among nursing deans; obtaining
buy-in and support for holistic admissions review and conducting a self-assessment of current
admissions practices; providing nursing administrators, faculty, and staff with diversity training;
and conducting further research to identify factors most critical for success in nursing. Although
the transition to a holistic admissions process requires some effort, arming ourselves with the
appropriate tools will mitigate barriers during implementation. (Index words: Nursing admissions;
Holistic admissions; Holistic review; Admissions) J Prof Nurs 32:306–313, 2016. © 2016 Elsevier
Inc. All rights reserved.