Persistence of Students in RNBS Completion Online Programs

Abstract

The nursing shortage has reached unprecedented levels in the United States. In a response to meet current educational needs and demands to recruit, retain, and expand enrollment of students in baccalaureate programs in nursing, the growth of online education has been dramatic. As growth continues, graduation rates and program retention are a concern. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between student motivation, academic context, cost-benefit appraisal, and intent to persist in RNBS completion online programs. The conceptual model used in this study was Student Online Academic Persistence a researcher developed model which is primarily based on the work of Tinto, Bean & Metzner, and Rosenbaum. Research questions: 1. Among students enrolled in RNBS completion online programs, do motivation and context predict cost-benefit appraisal? 2. Among students enrolled in RNBS completion online programs, what is the relationship between cost-benefit appraisal and intent to persist in the program? Data were collected via a Web-based self-report questionnaire and subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses which included the use of linear regression and correlations. From a population of 3606 students from three schools of nursing who were enrolled in an RNBS completion online program, 704 usable surveys were returned, with a response rate of 19%. Technology self-efficacy correlated positively with goal orientation, goal commitment, satisfaction with institution and faculty, cost-benefit appraisal and intent to persist. Goal commitment to the program and satisfaction with institution were found to be important in the persistence of students. A continual decision making process involving cost-benefit appraisal was also found to impact student intention to persist in the program of study. Recommendations for faculty include assuring student technology self-efficacy and developing an online transition course designed to normalize the experience of adults engaging in online education. Future research which further tests the Student Academic Online Persistence model and explores the lived experience of the online student is suggested.