Students' perceptions of nursing: their relationship to attrition

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Student Attrition
• Higher Education

Background:

• Student attrition is a significant concern in nursing education.
• Pre-enrollment perceptions may influence student retention.
• Understanding the reasons for leaving is crucial for improving educational programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effect of students' pre-enrollment perceptions of nursing education on attrition.
• To investigate discrepancies between expected and actual nursing academic experience.
• To identify key stressors influencing decisions to leave nursing programs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• The study sample comprised students commencing nursing education at an Australian tertiary institution.
• Data were collected on students' pre-enrollment perceptions and their academic experiences.

Main Results:

• A higher percentage of students who left (leavers) reported a discrepancy between their initial perceptions and their actual nursing academic experience compared to continuing students.
• The primary area of perceived difference was the scientific component of nursing knowledge.
• No significant difference was found between leavers and continuers regarding the influence of potential stressors on their decisions to leave.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest that a mismatch in understanding the scientific basis of nursing knowledge contributes to student attrition.
• There is a need to accurately communicate the scientific aspects of nursing to prospective students.
• Addressing misconceptions about nursing science early in the educational process may help reduce student attrition.