The Impact of an Innovative Online Orientation Program On Graduation among Graduate Nursing Students
Graduate nursing programs are transitioning to online formats; however, attrition rates remain higher in these settings. Discover how the implementation of an orientation program can boost graduation rates.
Presented by:
Lisa Hurley, University of Incarnate Word
Abstract:
Purpose: This research aimed to examine the impact of an online orientation program on on-time graduation and attrition among online graduate nursing students. As graduate nursing programs increasingly move online to accommodate working nurses, distance education offers flexibility and access to education. However, many students enrolled in online programs fail to complete their studies, raising concerns about attrition.
Aims: The study sought to compare on-time graduation and attrition rates between online graduate nursing students who participated in an online orientation program and those who did not, while considering factors such as age, sex, undergraduate GPA, and program track.
Theoretical Framework: Tinto’s Model of Student Departure (1993) guided the analysis, focusing on the relationship between online orientation participation and student success in graduate nursing programs.
Data Collection: The secondary data was gathered from an MSN program at a public university in the Southern U.S. from Fall 2016 to Fall 2018.
Data Analysis: Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between orientation participation and graduation/attrition, adjusting for demographic and academic variables.
Keywords:
Graduate Nursing Education, Orientation Program, Attrition
Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify factors that contribute to a student's decision to leave school (attrition) according to Tinto's Model of Student Departure.
2. Assess the different characteristics of students and discuss which students' may benefit the most from an orientation program.
3. Create effective orientaion programs in online education to address students' needs and decrease attrition.
The Impact of an Innovative Online Orientation Program On Graduation among Graduate Nursing Students
Hear it from the author:
Transcript:
This study explores the impact of an innovative online orientation program, the MORE Program, on graduation and attrition rates among online graduate nursing students. Conducted at a southern U.S. university, the research found that full participation in the MORE program significantly reduced attrition rates, even when considering factors like age, sex, and GPA. While it didn't directly impact on-time graduation, participants showed higher graduation rates compared to non-participants. The findings suggest that comprehensive orientation programs can enhance retention, particularly for older students and those with lower GPAs, helping to address challenges in online graduate nursing education.
References
Leger, J. M., Ferris, C., & Nguyen, H. T. (2023). Preparing distance learning graduate
students: Results of an innovative online orientation program. Science Talks, 6, 100167.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sctalk.2023.100167
Stoebe, A., & Grebing, R. (2020). The effect of new student orientations on the retention of
online students. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 23(2). https://ojdla.com/assets/pdf/stoebe232.pdf
Tinto, V. (1975). Dropout from higher education: A theoretical synthesis of recent research.
Review of Educational Research, 45(1), 89–125. https://doi.org/10.2307/1170024