Why associate degree nursing students persist

A study of 120 associate degree nursing (ADN) students at Illinois Central College during 1972-1973 tested the hypothesis that there will be no statistically significant difference in certain measured personality factors of the persister compared with the dropout. The Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS) was used to measure personality characteristics. The null hypothesis was rejected for four of the 15 variables measured by the EPPS. Significantly greater needs were achievement, deference, and heterosexuality for the persisters and abasement for the dropouts. Differences in needs may have resulted from two specific focuses of the ADN program: on the problem-solving process based on assessment of individual patient's needs and on team nursing which includes both the aspects of assuming responsibility for authority and accepting leadership. Through their greater need for abasement, the dropouts expressed a need for feelings of inferiority, guilt, blame, and inadequacy. Based on the academic prerequisites for admission to the ADN program, the dropouts should have succeeded. Therefore, it appeared the dropouts had a need to fail or withdraw from the program.