Discontinuation and the Intention to Reenroll in Undergraduate Nursing Education

Abstract

Background: This study sought to identify demographic, personal, and emotional characteristics of undergraduate nursing students who have discontinued their program and determine predictors of their intention to reenroll. Method: Students who discontinued from a prelicensure BSN or RN-to-BSN program were invited to participate in this study. Survey data collected included factors associated with the decision to discontinue, ratings of emotional distress, and intentions for the future. Results: Respondents reported moderate levels of emotional distress at the time of discontinuation and cited many factors as reasons. Most (53.5%) reported an intention to reenroll in the same program. Predictors of intention to reenroll were gender, race, state of residency, happiness, hopefulness, anger, financial status, and employment responsibilities. Conclusion: Understanding factors that may contribute to discontinuing a nursing program can assist in developing strategies for student success. Identifying personal, emotional, and situational variables that influence undergraduate nursing education persistence requires further research. [ J Nurs Educ . 2022;61(2):97–100.]