| Summary: | This is an exploratory study which seeks to clarify the reasons why student nurses either leave or consider leaving Higher Diploma Courses in Nursing. The study sought to eliminate and dispel some of the confusion which currently surrounds the subject of student nurse attrition. A mainly qualitative approach was employed using self report questionnaires, semi structured interviews, focus groups and evidence derived from past documentation and records. Methodological triangulation was employed in order to use different methods and sources to corroborate each other. The findings from the study were further supported by the use of some quantitative methods. The overall findings suggest there are 5 main reasons why student nurses leave or consider leaving nursing courses. These reasons are practice, theory related, personal/social, financial hardship and recruitment selection. This study enabled some previous findings (from past research) to be confirmed whereas new findings were highlighted. Having discussed these areas of concern with lecturers and students during the semi- structured interviews and focus groups and having gathered information via the questionnaires the researcher has proposed a plan of action. This plan should facilitate the University and related National Health Service Trusts to overcome the identified problems and confidently in collaboration take nurse education through the twentieth century and beyond.
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