Abstract
AIM: The purpose of the literature review is to evaluate and discuss the various types of academic support programs used for at-risk nursing students to identify those that are most effective.
BACKGROUND: Nurse educators are concerned about students admitted to nursing programs who are unable to successfully complete the program.
METHOD: To determine the format and efficacy of academic support programs, the literature review addressed the identification of at-risk students and academic support programs applicable to all student groups.
RESULTS: Nurse educators need to develop and implement plans to support and retain students in order to address the impending nursing shortage.
CONCLUSION: Replacing a student lost to academic failure is difficult. Although utilized in different manners, academic support programs are an effective retention strategy.