Perceived impact of nursing faculty on the academic success of minority students

This qualitative study explored perceptions held by (74) senior nursing students related to factors in the nursing program they believed most and least contributed to their academic success. Data were collected using open-end interview questions. Findings suggests that students perceive nursing faculty as one of the most important influences on their academic success. According to student reports, nursing faculty knowledge, clinical expertise and caring characteristics were most important in helping them succeed in the nursing program. Students described faculty characteristics such as flexibility, tough but fair, and supportive as beneficial to their academic achievement. Students described lack of knowledge and clinical expertise, inflexibility, biases and a stern uncaring attitude as faculty characteristics least likely to assist in achieving academic success. More research in the area of faculty and student interactions and the impact of these interactions on student academic success is recommended. Faculty development of skill and expertise in current climates in schools of nursing today and effective teaching practices are also recommended.