The lived experience of non-degree learners from a time-modified traditional baccalaureate nursing program

An emerging trend to temper the nursing shortage is to accelerate the pace of traditional 4-year baccalaureate programs, with minimal curricular or programmatic changes, which we refer to as a Time-Modified Traditional Program (TMTP) study. Many students enrolled in a TMTP reflect the characteristics of entry-level, traditional nursing students. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of how those non-degree, traditional baccalaureate nursing students experience education in a TMTP. Van Manen's six research activities of hermeneutic phenomenology guided this study. Colaizzi's seven-step method was used for analyzing the research data. Eight main themes were identified that provide a description of the phenomenon. Due to the intensity and time requirements of the program, students become disengaged from their previous lifestyles and relationships. Building a strong support system with faculty and peers and assuming personal accountability for learning contributes to the overall success of the program.