Variables Predicting Academic Success of Nursing Students: a Longitudinal Study in a Nursing Bachelor's Degree Program

Perceptions of nursing staff and students regarding attrition: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

This research aims to explore the perceptions of nursing students and directors of bachelor of nursing degree courses regarding reasons for attrition amongst nursing students.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using inductive thematic analysis. The study included a purposeful sample of 12 students and 4 directors of bachelor of nursing degree courses.

RESULTS

As reasons for attrition, the directors highlighted a lack of preparation for nursing studies and students' limited awareness of possibilities for support and learning. The students emphasized insufficient support from academic staff and poor course organization. Economic and family issues and a misunderstanding of the professional role of a nurse were cited as reasons by both directors and students.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide important insight into attrition in the nursing programme. Further research is warranted, particularly in other contexts. Addressing student attrition requires a comprehensive approach that includes the provision of adequate support systems, mentorship, and resources for students.

Self-efficacy, burnout and academic success in nursing students: A counterfactual mediation analysis

AIM

To test the mediating role of burnout in the relationship between self-efficacy and academic success in nursing students.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of longitudinal research aimed at exploring the academic success of nursing students.

METHODS

We enrolled a convenience sample of nursing students attending 21 Italian baccalaureate nursing degree programmes. Data were collected from 2014 to the 2018-2019 academic year. We analysed the wave of data collected during the third year of the programme. The measurements were the Academic Nurse Self-Efficacy scale (ANSEs) and the Scale of Work Burnout (SWEBO). A mediation analysis with a counterfactual approach was performed.

RESULTS

The participants (n = 556) had a median age of 20 years (IQR 19-22) and the majority was female [70.5% (392/556)]. Academic success was reached by 51.97% (289/556) of the students. The findings reveal a significant direct effect of self-efficacy on academic success and also a significant indirect effect of this relationship via burnout.

CONCLUSION

The mechanism by which self-efficacy influences academic performance in nursing students is more complex than a simple direct relationship. Universities should consider screening students for variables affecting academic success to decrease academic costs and increase ranking systems classification.

IMPACT

Nurses' professors should be engaged in strategies to promote self-efficacy. The area of intervention should be structured both during classes and internships, in tandem with the mentor and the clinical nurse.