Enhancing Exam Performance to Increase Retention Among Students in an Associate Degree Nursing Program

Abstract

Background: High rates of attrition are problematic for nursing programs in meeting program graduation expectations and the nursing workforce demand. Purpose: In an effort to address declining program completion rates over the past 3 years and to assist with student retention, the authors explored the benefits of using The Exam Analysis (TEA) procedure with first-semester nursing students in an associate of science in nursing program. Methods: This descriptive pilot study used TEA Worksheet and surveys to collect data with 50 first-semester students. Retention, exam performance, and student experiences were explored. Results: Use of TEA procedure benefitted students, with results revealing a retention rate of 90% (n = 45) of first-semester students and a positive rate of change between the exam average score and the final exam score. Conclusions: Findings support improved retention for first-semester associate degree nursing students, better exam performance, and positive experiences with using TEA procedure.