Academic Support Programs Utilized for Nursing Students at Risk of Academic Failure: A Review of the Literature

AIM The purpose of the literature review is to evaluate and discuss the various types of academic support programs used for at-risk nursing students to identify those that are most effective. BACKGROUND Nurse educators are concerned about students admitted to nursing programs who are unable to successfully complete the program. METHOD To determine the format and efficacy of academic support programs, the literature review addressed the identification of at-risk students and academic support programs applicable to all student groups. RESULTS Nurse educators need to develop and implement plans to support and retain students in order to address the impending nursing shortage. CONCLUSION Replacing a student lost to academic failure is difficult. Although utilized in different manners, academic support programs are an effective retention strategy.