Retention of minority nursing students on predominantly white campuses

Minority nursing students at predominantly white colleges may experience psychosocial and academic problems that together influence their decision to remain in the academic system. Estimates of attrition rates for minority nursing students range from a low of 15% to a high of 85%. Two theories for the extremely high attrition rates is that retention strategies frequently have a single focus (academics) and that faculty involved with minority students lack a sense of commitment to help these students. The author identifies academic and psychosocial factors that, singularly or in combination, may make academic success an impossible feat for the minority student. Suggested strategies for improving retention at the prenursing and nursing levels are outlined.