Nursing students' experiences of repeating units in an undergraduate program : a qualitative study

Background: Academic failure in undergraduate nursing education programs is a growing concern globally. While some students choose to continue with their nursing course by repeating units of study, others discontinue from their respective nursing programs contributing to a marked increase in nursing attrition rates. This academic failure can be attributed to competing demands of paid employment and family commitments. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore first year students' experiences of repeating a unit of study in the undergraduate nursing program. Methods: A descriptive qualitative design informed this study which involved undergraduate nursing students enrolled at a large metropolitan multi-campus nursing school in Australia. Data were collected from nine nursing students who had repeated one or more units of study using face-to-face and telephone interviews and data were analysed used thematic analysis. Findings: Four themes emerged from the data ‘struggling to meet workload expectations’, ‘making the adjustment’, ‘utilising academic supports and resources’ and ‘the strength to carry on’. The struggles faced by nursing students repeating units of study included the university's academic environment, heavy workload and issues encountered to meet academic writing standards, juggling to balance the demands of paid employment and personal commitments. Participants demonstrated strength and resilience in their quest to fulfil their dreams and goals of becoming a Registered Nurse, and some reassessed their financial situations to make changes to paid employment hours or reduce study workload to part-time. While peer support was valued, participants expressed their desire for further tutor support to consolidate learning. Conclusions: Support strategies tailored for students repeating nursing units are needed to ensure students continue successfully with their nursing programs