Age and 'type' of domain specific entry qualifications as predictors of student nurses' performance in biological, social and behavioural sciences in nursing assessments

The present study explored the effects of age and 'type' of entry qualifications in psychology, sociology and biology on student performance in 'the psychological, sociological and biological perspectives in nursing' module assessments, respectively. Data from 222 students undertaking 'the pre-registration diploma in nursing' programme at a university in the north West of England were analysed. The study found no significant differences in performance among those students with CCSE 'O' level, those with access and those without any type of domain specific qualifications. However, student age significantly predicted performance, with such performances found to be highly consistent across the three modules. The 'non-mature' students (aged <20 years) were identified in the study as being at risk in terms of academic performance whilst the 'very mature' students (aged >34 years) were found to predict better overall performance. The findings suggest that, paper qualifications such as GCSE O. level, GNVQ or BTEC in psychology, sociology or biology should not be relied upon as predictors of academic performance in their related nursing modules when selecting potential nurses. On the basis of the findings and their probable explanations, it seems possible that the entry gate to nursing can further be widened by giving more credit to the older applicant who has, for example, achieved NVQ at level 2 or 3. However, such flexibility in nurse selection will have to be matched with equal flexibility in the pre-registration diploma in nursing curriculum which at present fails to recognize 'at risk' groups. The findings and the implications for nurse education and recruitment are discussed with support from a growing number of studies investigating student approaches to studying and learning. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.