Student support in accelerated nursing programs: Gender-based perspectives and impact on academic outcomes

• Published in: Nursing outlook Vol. 66; no. 1; pp. 84 - 93.e3
• Main Authors: Abshire, Demetrius A., Graves, Janessa M., Roberts, Mary Lee, Katz, Janet, Barbosa-Leiker, Celestina, Corbett, Cynthia F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.01.2018
• Subjects: Academic outcomes; Accelerated degree; Nursing; Student support; Academic outcomes; Nursing; Accelerated degree; Student support
• ISSN: 0029-6554; 1528-3968; 1528-3968
• DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2017.08.010

Factors that contribute to student success in accelerated degree nursing programs are poorly understood and may vary by gender. Examine associations between satisfaction with peer and mentor support, gender, and academic outcomes among students in accelerated degree nursing programs. We used data (demographic variables, satisfaction with peer and mentor support, graduation, and attempts of National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's New Career in Nursing Program. Multivariable mixed effects regression models were used to examine associations among gender, satisfaction with support, and academic outcomes. Males had an increased probability of reporting high satisfaction with peer support. Both males and females who were very dissatisfied with peer support were less likely to graduate than students who were very satisfied with peer support. Gender did not moderate the relationships between satisfaction with peer and mentor support and academic outcomes. Peer support is an important aspect of graduation among students in accelerated degree nursing programs. Continuous quality improvement strategies to improve student peer support may be warranted. •Male nursing students encounter multiple gender-related education barriers.•The intensity of accelerated nursing programs is an additional burden for males.•Satisfaction with mentor and peer support may help males overcome these challenges.•Males were more likely than females to report high satisfaction with peer support.•Lower satisfaction with peer support was associated with lower odds of graduating.