Honors College Students in Nursing School: Exploring the Cause of Attrition Rates

Abstract

The nursing profession faces a growing demand amidst a national nursing student attrition rate of 20%, creating challenges for workforce sustainability. This study explores the unique experiences of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students concurrently enrolled in honors college programs to understand the barriers and facilitators influencing their program completion. A qualitative focus group of five senior honors college BSN students was conducted to gain insight into their perspectives. Thematic analysis revealed key barriers including lack of interest in research topics, lack of continuity in the honors project timeline, and insufficient research guidance. Facilitators included priority registration and scholarships, exposure to undergraduate research opportunities, and strong mentorship, particularly from nursing faculty. Findings suggest that while dual enrollment offers valuable academic and professional benefits, it may also contribute to heightened attrition risk due to compounded academic demands. Addressing structural barriers and enhancing support systems may improve retention and academic success among this student population.