Persistence among graduate nursing students enrolled in an online course

Abstract

Attrition in online courses, when compared to face-to-face courses, is higher. Student persistence affects the ability to complete an online course. The aim of this study was to quantitatively measure persistence among nursing students enrolled in a master's level required theory course. Study data, collected during the first two weeks of the semester, included responses to the Persistence Scale for Online Education (PSOE) and completion of a demographic data sheet. Data from 26 consented students revealed an overall moderate level of persistence. The four students who reported low levels of persistence failed to complete the course. It appears that the PSOE can reliably identify the student at-risk for course incompletion and may be useful in identifying those for whom intervention would be helpful.