Factors impacting student success in a fundamentals course of an associate degree nursing program

Abstract

BackgroundAttrition rates are high for nursing programs. Attrition must be addressed to ensure nursing programs are financially sustainable and healthcare has an adequate supply of nurses. PurposeIdentify factors impacting the success of students enrolled in the fundamental nursing course. MethodsRetrospective file review of the previous seven cohorts (n = 351). Fifteen factors were investigated to determine their impact on successful completion of the fundamentals nursing course. ResultsSuccessful completion was significantly associated with race identified by the participants (χ2 = 10.84, p = 0.01) as participants who identified as white demonstrated higher success rates. Increasing ACT composite score (b = 0.95, p = 0.00) positively correlated with the student's success completion (CI = 1.26-5.38). Higher grade in General Psychology (b = 0.36, p = 0.02) positively correlated with successful completion (CI = 0.50-0.96). Recommendations and ConclusionsData can be used to evaluate current admission criteria and to develop support programs for students who may be at risk for not progressing well.