A National Study of Progression Policies and Course Repetition in Prelicensure Registered Nursing Programs.

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.The aim of the study was to describe the incidence of nursing student repeaters and progression policies in the United States.A national survey of prelicensure nursing program deans and directors was conducted.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.Nursing student repeaters are a significant population, and examination of progression policies is warranted.

Duke Scholars

Author Tonya Willingham School of Nursing

Author Lisa Lewis School of Nursing