Factors affecting attrition from associate degree nursing programs in North Carolina

Area of Science:

• Health Workforce Research
• Nursing Education
• Educational Policy

Background:

• Projected Registered Nurse (RN) shortfalls have led North Carolina to boost nursing program capacity.
• Despite increased enrollment, Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs face high student attrition rates, with only 58% completion.
• Limited empirical evidence exists on factors contributing to ADN student attrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causes of attrition in Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs within the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS).
• To identify student- and program-level characteristics associated with ADN program success and failure.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving ADN program completion rates.

Main Methods:

• A study was commissioned by the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) in late 2007.
• The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research conducted the investigation.
• Analysis focused on student and program characteristics linked to graduation rates.

Main Results:

• Socioeconomically disadvantaged students (GED recipients, Pell Grant recipients), non-white students, and students at younger or older age ranges were less likely to graduate on time.
• High-performing ADN programs (based on risk-adjusted graduation rates) featured more selective admissions criteria and faculty with higher educational attainment.
• Addressing attrition is a cost-effective strategy to increase the Registered Nurse (RN) supply in the short term.

Conclusions:

• Improving ADN program completion is crucial for addressing nursing shortages.
• Targeted support for at-risk student populations and enhancing program faculty qualifications are key strategies.
• The study's findings and methods offer valuable insights for other states and countries facing similar challenges in nursing education.