Factors influencing nursing student academic success : a mixed methods study

Student success is a core indicator of program effectiveness in nursing education. Student failure or delay in progression burdens the already limited educational resources, financially taxes the students and educational institution, and hinders an effective response to the growing demand for more nurses in health care settings. Recognizing influential factors of academic success or failure can inform academic support interventions. This sequential mixed-methods study examined factors that influence student academic outcomes at Oman College of Health Sciences by focusing on the relationship among student input, the academic environment, and student outcomes. In the first phase 267 students' academic records from seven satellite campuses were analyzed using Pearson correlations and bivariate and multiple regression to identify predictors of student success, defined as the GPA at the end of each year in nursing. A survey was distributed to 372 graduates to assess their satisfaction with the quality of their educational environment. The second phase included 11 one-on-one interviews of graduates on their opinions of what factors affected their success in the nursing program. Findings showed that the current admission criteria were marginally predictive of subsequent academic achievement in nursing. Gender, living arrangements, and student scores on English level-3 courses were strong predictors of student success. With a response rate of 91.1 percent, nursing graduates were somewhat satisfied with the quality of their educational environments. Analysis revealed a positive correlation between graduates' mean satisfaction and their graduating GPAs. Findings from the qualitative phase resulted in four themes perceived by graduates to have influenced their academic success: (a) positive prenursing academic experience, (b) student motivation and a support system as a positive influence on academic engagement, (c) language difficulties throughout the nursing program, and (d) a challenging program design and delivery. Understanding interconnections among student input, educational environments, and student outcomes can inform a systemic approach to facilitating a positive learning experience and promoting student success.