Predicting student attrition using social determinants: Implications for a diverse nursing workforce

Attrition of academically qualified nursing students affects the size of the nursing workforce. A better understanding of the multifaceted predictive factors of attrition is needed to inform targeted interventions to promote program progression and maintain an adequate nursing workforce.

The purpose of this study was to identify demographic, academic, and social determinant factors associated with attrition at the end of the first semester in an upper-division baccalaureate nursing program.

Students' demographic and academic data from an administrative database were combined with social determinants data collected via a web-based survey.

Among this cohort (n=164), social determinants were significantly associated with attrition. A significantly greater percentage of students who failed were born outside the United States (U.S.), had one or both parents born outside the U.S., reported English was not the primary language spoken in the home, and were racially/ethnically diverse.

Attrition was primarily among students with diverse racial, ethnic, and/or cultural backgrounds, which has implications for achieving a diverse nursing workforce. Proactive strategies to support success should be especially targeted on diverse students.