Students’ perspectives of factors related to delayed completion of online RN-BSN programs

Abstract

Background There are multiple educational programs for individuals to become registered nurses (RNs), and the transition from an associate degree or diploma to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is vital to healthcare. This study examined the factors contributing to delayed completion or withdrawal from online RN-BSN nursing programs from students’ perspectives. Method Thematic content analyses were conducted on qualitative data obtained from semi-structured interviews (N = 26). Results Complex factors contributed to delayed completion of online RN-BSN programs, including student-, institutional-, and faculty-related factors. Conclusion This study validated and extends previous studies without delineating students in fully online programs from hybrid and face-to-face programs. Students, faculty, and institutions all have a role to play in facilitating on-time program completion. Recognizing and mitigating the barriers that delay on-time program completion is required to foster nurses to obtain a BSN degree.

The voices of online RN-BS students during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Bachelor-prepared nurses have a greater understanding of the scope of practice to include cultural, economic, political, and social issues that affect patient care delivery in the healthcare system ( American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2019 ). Iheduru-Anderson (2021) , outlines the importance of financial stability and job security for RN-BS students completing their degree. The participants of this study also commented that they now feel a sense of confidence, as well as feeling more valued, more responsible and more community engagement.…”

“…Working extra hours and the number of hours per week RN-BS students work has been shown to be a barrier in program completion and retention ( Nikolaidou et al, 2019 ). Reasons for these nurses to return to school included requirements for job, personal reasons, and financial stability ( Iheduru- Anderson, 2021 ). Past literature has documented the challenge of completing a program due to family and work obligations ( Perfetto, 2015 ).…”

“…Past literature has documented the challenge of completing a program due to family and work obligations ( Perfetto, 2015 ). Factors that contribute to a delay or withdrawal from an RN-BS program included the inability to navigate outside responsibilities of work and school, poor study habits, technology challenges and poor time management ( Iheduru- Anderson, 2021 ; Sabio et al, 2020 ).…”

Prelicensure Nursing Students’ Reflections on Institutional Response to the 2020 COVID-19 Crisis

“…The demographics of students in the traditional 4-year colleges tend to be younger, entering college directly from high school. In contrast, associate degree nursing students tend to be older, with more responsibility requiring them to work part-time or full-time to meet their family obligations ( Iheduru-Anderson, 2021 ; Smith-Wacholz et al, 2019 ). Although full-time student nurses were usually encouraged to limit their work hours while attending nursing school, many of them could not afford not to work full-time.…”

“…However, it is well known that financial strain can impact students’ success. Students experiencing financial stress worked more hours, limiting their time to complete required schoolwork ( Iheduru-Anderson, 2021 ; Smith-Wacholz et al, 2019 ). This may also have contributed to their stress, frustrations, and lack of support amid a crisis.…”