Persistence, how do they do it? A case study of Access to Higher Education learners on a UK Diploma/BSc Nursing programme

SummaryIn 2006, the United Kingdom (UK) Department of Health (DoH) produced guidelines, requiring institutions to address the attrition rates for student nurses and midwives. This issue is not only a concern in the UK but has gained prominence in other Schools of Nursing including the USA, Australia, and developing countries. Many Schools of Nursing have witnessed a change in their student population with a growing prominence of mature entrants (those over 21). Studies that focus on learner persistence, in particular mature students are relatively rare and very scarce on entrants with an Access to Higher Education (HE) qualification.This study, using focus group interviews, involved Access to HE learners who successfully progressed to a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)/Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing at one UK University.The study findings indicated that Access to HE learners are able to develop a range of coping strategies in relation to academic demands and caring responsibilities, which are drawn upon in their DipHE/BSc programme. The findings have relevance for all Schools of Nursing as we face new and difficult challenges not least the global shortage of qualified nurses and the pressures placed on educators to retain student nurses.