Success in a Nursing Course Among Repeating Students: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Nursing programs face an attrition rate of approximately 20%, with re-enrolling student data not reflected in outcome reports. The success of these repeat students remains largely unknown. METHOD: This pilot study explored the correlation between targeted remediation and exam performance among repeating students in an advanced medical-surgical course. Using a correlation study design with archival data, five repeating students were given the opportunity to meet individually with faculty to cover test-taking strategies, content review, and application practice with adaptive quizzing. RESULTS: The findings of this pilot study revealed a positive correlation between the number and frequency of meetings with faculty and increases in exam scores. CONCLUSION: Targeted remediation strategies addressing test-taking strategies and content comprehension can contribute to success. Further research with a larger sample is needed to validate these findings.