Academic success of nursing students: Does motivation matter?

Schools of nursing around the world, including associate degree nursing (ADN) programs, continue to be challenged by retention and recruitment issues. Many efforts have been made to address the variety of complex issues that nurse educators face to increase student retention and recruitment in nursing programs. Fortunately, enrollment in many of the nursing programs is on the rise, as the economic challenges in the United States continue to be unwavering. According to the National League for Nursing Annual Nursing Data Review, ADN programs “account for majority of growth in admission and enrollment” (2009). However, with an increase in enrollment comes an increase for the potential of choosing a career in nursing not only for the desire to help others but also for the sake of having a career with job “security.” The motivating forces for choosing a career in nursing, the changing demographics of nursing students, and the students' motivation to learn can all provide challenges for nurse educators. The one challenge that educators will face with an increase in enrollment is how to increase retention among a very diverse student population. One avenue to consider is the students' motivation for learning and how that could impact his or her retention. A review of the literature suggests that locus of control (internal versus external motivation) can be one predicator of success in higher education (L. Perrot, L. Deloney, J. Hastings, S. Savell, & M. Savidge, 2001). Furthermore, motivation has been positively related to learning outcomes, and positive learning outcomes have been correlated with increased retention in higher education.