Factors affecting student success in Oregon Associate Degree Nursing Programs

46^th Global Nursing & Healthcare

October 15-16, 2018 | Las Vegas, USA

Tracy Fawns and Pamela Strohfus

Dixie State University, USA
Boise State University, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Adv Practice Nurs

Abstract :

Multiple factors contribute to student retention and attrition rates in undergraduate nursing programs. Attrition rates are rising, which affects society as the population is aging and there is a need for more nurses. Identifying attrition risk as a method to increase student success is imperative in order to produce more nurses. The purpose of this project was to analyze and evaluate predictive factors and academic issues that affect student success in order decrease attrition rates in the science courses and increase associate degree of nursing (ADN) program completion. A records-based correlational study included a random sampling selection of students from nine OCNE community college associate degree nursing programs in Oregon (n=500). Deidentified transcripts were collected from students who were enrolled full-time in the nursing programs. The data included studentsâ?? grade point average (GPA), grades, and completion rates. Prerequisite GPA scores, anatomy and physiology (A&P) course scores, chemistry course scores, microbiology course scores, and prerequisite repeats, and ADN sciences (pathophysiology and pharmacology) course scores were obtained from each participating school via electronic records. The results of this study were congruent with evidence-based literature. There are four statistically significant and potentially predictive correlations, including: 1) The grade a student receives in a prerequisite science course correlates with the grade they will receive in an ADN science course; 2) Prerequisite science GPA correlates with the GPA a student receives upon completion of the ADN program; 3) Prerequisite science GPA correlates with the likelihood of completing the ADN program; and, 4) Repeating either A&P or chemistry correlates with a higher likelihood of completing the ADN program. In order to decrease attrition, higher standards need to be placed on the prerequisite science courses to ensure that students with high academic qualifications are admitted to nursing programs.

Biography :

E-mail: tracy.fawns@dixie.edu