Predictors of student outcome in a Baccalaureate nursing program

Student success in a nursing program is a complex process that involves the interaction of student attributes, academic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Using the Jeffreys’s (2015) Nursing Undergraduate Retention and Success (NURS) Model, the purpose of this research was to determine the individual student profile characteristics, academic characteristics, and personal attributes and attitudes that predict outcome in a baccalaureate nursing program. Three hundred sixty-three records of students admitted to a baccalaureate nursing program at a small, public university in southwest Georgia from May 2009-August 2014 were reviewed. Binomial logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine if three categories of independent variables: (a) student profile factors, (b) self-reported attitudes and attributes, and (c) academic factors could predict student outcome in the nursing program. Research results from this study found that student profile factors, specifically age, sex, program designation, and socioeconomic status were not predictive of outcome. Further, results found that academic factors, grade point average, and TEAS test scores were highly predictive of student outcome. Lastly, the research found that higher scores in self-reported critical thinking ability and learning style preference were predictive of a favorable student outcome. Of importance to nursing education is how these results can be utilized for review and revision of admission, and progression policies. The use of GPA and standardized test scores is a common practice for admission committees and will likely continue to be a significant factor in admissions decisions. Further research is needed as to how other factors that affect student outcomes, attrition or completion could be used to guide admission decisions.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Alabama Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Bryant, Paula H.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• McDougall, Graham J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Cranford, Joan S.
• Houser, Rick
• March, Alice L.
• Wright, Vivian H.

• Nursing
• Higher education
• Higher education administration

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US, English

Dc Identifier Other

u0015_0000001_0002702
Bryant_alatus_0004D_13159

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ir.ua.edu:123456789/3340