The mature student question

The main components of the welcoming programme were socialisation of the individual to university life and study skills. The study found that there was a small significant difference between the needs of mature students and of standard entry students in relation to information about the nursing course, study skills and time management. The students who participated in the welcoming programme progressed a little better on the nursing course. Students' recommendations for further development of the programme included, additional study and IT skills and an introduction to subject areas on the nursing course. If we are to continue to recruit mature students on to our nursing courses we need to ensure that supports are in place to facilitate the mature student prior to and during their nursing course.