Journal Article

Experiences of RNs Who Voluntarily Withdraw From Their RN-to-BSN Program

Hoeksel, Renee, Girard, Samantha A., Vandermause, Roxanne, Eddy, Linda

2017

Overview

The number of RN-to-baccalaureate nursing (BSN) programs is increasing; however, nurses continue to voluntarily withdraw at higher rates than expected. A Heideggerian hermeneutic approach was used to interpret the meaning of the experience of RNs, who voluntarily withdraw from their baccalaureate nursing programs. The research aims were to generate a comprehensive understanding of (a) the experiences of RN-to-BSN noncompleters, (b) the meaning noncompleters ascribe to the experience of dropping out, and (c) the interplay between factors that influence dropout decisions. Two overarching patterns of understanding emerged: Withdrawing as Revisiting Failure, and Withdrawing as Impasse: On One Side of the Divide. The factors that influence whether an RN finishes a baccalaureate nursing program are many, but the effect on dignity and well-being are immeasurable. Voluntary withdrawal from an RN-to-BSN program leaves nurses professionally place-bound, affecting not only the individual nurse but also the profession. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(5):260-265.].

• Publisher: SLACK INCORPORATED
• Subject: Adult / Attrition (Research Studies) / Career Choice / College Students / Data Analysis / Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Educational Experience / Environmental Influences / Family Characteristics / Female / Hermeneutics / Humans / Individual Characteristics / Institutional Characteristics / Interviews / Language Usage / Life Change Events / Literature Reviews / Male / Middle Aged / Nontraditional Students / Nurses - psychology / Nursing education / Nursing Research / Qualitative Research / Recruitment / State Schools / State Universities / Student attitudes / Student Attrition / Student Dropouts - psychology / Student retention / Transcripts (Written Records)