Improving the Experience of Student Veterans: A Student-Led Initiative

In Spring 2019, Linfield College’s Good Samaritan School of Nursing applied for a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. To ensure the needs of Student Veterans (SVs) would be met, interviews were conducted with enrolled SVs. Linfield’s SVs’ concerns were consistent with the literature; students reported feeling challenged by the transition, sought structure, and missed the camaraderie of the military. SVs felt they needed help with the processes of GI Bill formalities, time to acclimate to the culture of nursing school, and guidance to develop strategies for balancing school, families, and work. When students were notified that Linfield did not receive the grant, they decided among themselves to respond to the concerns they identified during the grant writing process. Recognizing the challenge of funding restraints, the SV community prioritized their concerns accordingly and sought to seek solutions at no cost to the college. Their primary concerns were the need for peer support, clear direction related to GI Bill benefits, guidance regarding the academic schedule, and a greater understanding of their experience as SVs from the faculty and their student colleagues. Veteran students partnered with their peers, faculty, and staff to implement their prioritized interventions.