Breaking the Cycle: First-Generation College Nursing Students Attending a Rural Community College

This study describes the physical, mental, social, economic, and diversity issues experienced by rural first-generation college nursing students.

This cross sectional study was conducted at a rural community college situated in an agricultural area with a significant Latinx farm worker population. A total of 87 students matriculated in an associate degree RN program were invited to participate in a survey to explore a variety of issues impacting students.

An overwhelming majority of participants (75.6%) reported family depending on them as a source of emotional support while 47.6% also had family depending on them for financial support while attending school. Approximately 73% of participants were unsure of receiving mentoring support or did not receive mentoring support during the admissions application process. A substantial number of respondents (31.6%) had financial concerns and considered dropping out of college. First-generation college students were significantly more likely to express an interest to work in rural settings (87.9%) following graduation (χ² = 9.85; df = 2; p = 0.007). Many first-generation college nursing students expressed breaking down the barriers of stigma and serving as an inspiration to future family members to pursue higher education.

First-generation college nursing students lack several supports traditionally viewed to help students pursue a higher education. Despite this, the participants noted they were making a difference among themselves, their family, and the rural community from which they hail.