Academic persistence among nursing students: A concept analysis

Abstract

Background: Persistence, in academic settings, has been identified as a critical variable for success. Different than retention and attrition, persistence, as a personal characteristic, describes the student who progresses, despite opposition or importunity.

Methods: The Walker and Avant framework was used to guide the analysis of the concept of academic persistence, specifically as it applies to nursing education.

Results: Barriers to persisting, among nursing students, include academic and personal variables. As faculty, we are concerned with and responsible to provide interventions that address academic barriers to persistence; there is little we can, or should do with personal barriers.

Conclusions: Being able to identify the difference between academic and personal variables is the initial step in providing appropriate, and valued interventions.