Understanding Academic Success From the Perspective of Nursing Students: A Qualitative Study

Baccalaureate nursing education programs must focus on social transition as well as academic preparedness to maximize student success. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to identify nontraditional nursing students' perspectives on strategies that enabled them to succeed. Focus groups were conducted with nontraditional students who graduated on time from a BSN program. Themes that emerged included resources, self-awareness, social support, and early engagement. Using findings from this study, the faculty and administration changed the new student orientation to include time management, test-taking skills, self-awareness assessments, and professional socialization.