Background

The literature lacks description of the incidence of nursing students failing and repeating courses. Nursing student repeaters delay graduation and entry into the workforce; they are also at risk for attrition.

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe the incidence of nursing student repeaters and progression policies in the United States.

Method

A national survey of prelicensure nursing program deans and directors was conducted.

Results

Invitations were sent to 2,055 nursing programs; the response rate was 32 percent. The annual incidence of nursing student course repetition was found to be 11.5 percent. Progression policies varied widely.

Conclusion

Nursing student repeaters are a significant population, and examination of progression policies is warranted.