Statewide At-Risk Tracking and Intervention for Nurses: Identifying and Intervening With Nursing Students at Risk of Attrition in Texas
AIM The purpose of this study was to identify students at risk of attrition and implement interventions to decrease the risk. BACKGROUND The ability to identify and intervene with students deemed at risk of attrition can be a valuable tool for increasing the RN workforce. “Statewide At-Risk Tracking and Interventions for Nurses” (SATIN) involved students from 27 initial RN licensure nursing programs in Texas. METHOD At-risk status of each nursing student was identified, and each nursing program provided interventions based on students' needs. RESULTS The Weaver Reading Program was the most effective of the six intervention strategies used with SATIN participants. Lack of utilization of the interventions was the number one limitation of the study. CONCLUSION Use of the Weaver Reading Program as well as personal engagement with students, one-on-one mentoring, and continued time investment are recommended to all programs.
Factors impacting student success in a fundamentals course of an associate degree nursing program
Abstract Background Attrition rates are high for nursing programs. Attrition must be addressed to ensure nursing programs are financially sustainable and healthcare has an adequate supply of nurses. Purpose Identify factors impacting the success of students enrolled in the fundamental nursing course. Methods Retrospective file review of the previous seven cohorts (n = 351). Fifteen factors were investigated to determine their impact on successful completion of the fundamentals nursing course. Results Successful completion was significantly associated with race identified by the participants (χ2 = 10.84, p = 0.01) as participants who identified as white demonstrated higher success rates. Increasing ACT composite score (b = 0.95, p = 0.00) positively correlated with the student's success completion (CI = 1.26-5.38). Higher grade in General Psychology (b = 0.36, p = 0.02) positively correlated with successful completion (CI = 0.50-0.96). Recommendations and Conclusions Data can be used to evaluate current admission criteria and to develop support programs for students who may be at risk for not progressing well.
Projections and Trends in RN Supply: What Do They Tell Us About the Nursing Shortage?
This article presents an analysis of trends in the supply of RNs. When weighted for population growth, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2002 projection of future RN shortages indicates a more immanent and stronger decline in RN supply than initially presented. Analysis of national RN survey data from 1977 to 2000 finds recent decreased gains and increased losses from the RN license pool, a decline in RNs working or looking for work in nursing, and RN supply shifts away from bedside nursing. Policy implications to address these trends include regulatory/legislative and incentive approaches aimed at improving education and employment.