First-Generation College Students’ Perceptions of Academic Success in Nursing
Sarah Marie White, Linda Carman Copel, Jennifer Gunberg RossBackground:
First-generation college students often come from underrepresented backgrounds in nursing and are at high risk of attrition. Little is known about the barriers and facilitators to academic success that these students face.
Purpose:
The objective of this study was to explore the following: (1) the meaning of academic success, (2) barriers and facilitators to academic success, and (3) resources needed for success among first-generation baccalaureate nursing students.
Methods:
This qualitative descriptive study used reflexive thematic analysis to conceptualize themes from a national survey.
Results:
Surveys were collected from 168 students. Academic success included practicing persistence, maintaining resilience, and achieving positive outcomes beyond good grades. Barriers and facilitators to academic success and needed resource themes included precollege preparation, support and guidance, study habits, mental health, and financial resources.
Conclusions:
The results align with the Social Determinants of Learning Framework. Research is needed on first-generation college students enrolled in accelerated and associate degree nursing programs.