Title

Predictors of student veterans progression and graduation in Veteran to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (VBSN) Programs: A multisite study

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2021

Abstract

Background

Capitalizing on the veteran's extensive service experience, values, and norms, Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) proposed Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention – Veterans' Bachelor of Science (VBSN) Program grants (2016–2019).

Purpose

The purpose was to identify predictors of student veterans' (SV) progression and graduation rates in VBSN programs.

Methods

A descriptive correlational retrospective design was used. Two hundred and eighty-two (282) SV records were examined.

Results

One hundred and forty (140) SVs graduated (49.6%) and 107 (37.9%) were still enrolled. Only program delivery mode (hybrid) was significantly associated with completion and confirmed by logistic regression modeling. An increased representation of SVs' gender, race/ethnicity was present; however, gender, age, race, ethnicity, and veteran status did not significantly predict progression nor graduation.

Conclusions

Hybrid program delivery became the single predictor influencing VBSN progression and graduation. As non-traditional students in higher education with a history of social isolation and help-seeking stigma, this delivery mode may have assisted SV retention and persistence. With a registered nurse shortage and workforce calls for increased gender, race, and ethnic diversity, the findings suggest nursing education programs designed for veterans are a viable solution.

Comments

Published as:

Sikes, D. L., Patterson, B. J., Chargualaf, K. A., Elliott, B., Song, H., Boyd, J., & Armstrong, M. L. (2021). Predictors of student veterans progression and graduation in Veteran to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Vbsn) Programs: A multisite study. Journal of Professional Nursing, 37(3), 632–639. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2021.03.008

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