Keywords

Clinical Coaches, Mentors, Models of Retention, Nursing Student Attrition, Nursing Student Retention, Student Anxiety, Teaching Strategies

 

Authors

  1. Smith-Wacholz, Heather C.
  2. Wetmore, Julia P.
  3. Conway, Cheryl
  4. McCarley, Melanie

Abstract

AIM: The purpose of this integrative review is to identify ways to decrease student attrition in schools of nursing.

 

BACKGROUND: Many nursing students have anxiety, lack finances, face an absence of faculty or peer support, and have decreased overall satisfaction with the realities of nursing. This integrative review demonstrates that a significant percentage of nursing students leave school before completing their program.

 

METHOD: Manuscripts were selected for this study to evaluate effective interventions to increase retention rates for first-year nursing students. Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria.

 

RESULTS: Interventions to decrease attrition include effective teaching methods and styles; utilization of an advisor, clinical coach, or mentor; stress reduction; faculty support; students' background; and perceptions of nursing.

 

CONCLUSION: Educators have the option of using several supportive measures to decrease attrition in nursing programs.